A QClash victory on Saturday afternoon would make Ryan “Froggy” Lester’s 100 match milestone that much sweeter.
“Obviously there's a lot of history around the club. You walk into the locker rooms and you’ve got all the 100-
The utility, known as “Mr Fix It”, can play pretty much anywhere on
His career started at the Lions in 2010’s pre-season. Lester was a bolter in the Club’s draftees that year, with coaching staff impressed by the former Oakleigh Chargers’ fitness.
His hard work and persistence paid off, with “Froggy” earning his first AFL call-up in Round 1 of the 2011 season.
In his debut against the Fremantle Dockers at the Gabba, he kicked a goal, had 16 disposals and six marks to his name.
During the early stages of his career, Lester shared the field with some of the Lions all-time greats including Jonathan Brown, Simon Black and Luke Power.
“I think you walk taller when you’re out on the field with those guys,” he said.
The three
“Particularly early, you look to those guys to set an example for you. They just, on and off the field taught me a few things. I’m very grateful to have played with guys like them,” Lester said.
Now 24, he is taking on a similar role for the young men coming through the Club. Earlier this year Lester was named in the Lions Leadership Group.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. I do enjoy trying to help out the young guys as much as I can and fast-track them as much as I can.”
The new responsibility has made 2017’s season amongst his most satisfying during his time in Brisbane.
“I think the Club is in a really healthy shape at the moment. Potentially my seven years at the Club, we’re in the best position we’ve been in terms of a lot of young talent. We’re in the right hands with Fages (Chris Fagan) and David Noble,” he said.
Family and friends from his hometown in Mulgrave, Victoria will make the journey to the Gabba to celebrate this important moment in Lester’s career.
“You probably get caught up in it a little bit, you don’t think about it too much and then every now and again, such as a milestone, you sit back and realise it’s something you dreamt about as a little kid,” Lester said.
But securing back-to-back QClash victories in 2017 is above any celebrations.
“It should be a good weekend but it will only be a good weekend if we have a win so that’s more important than my milestone,” he said.
The Brisbane Lions take on the Gold Coast Suns in the 14th QClash on Saturday at
