Hey Ash. Who do you reckon are the players that have really stood up so far this year?
Declan from Chermside (QLD)

I reckon Mitch Clark has really stood up this season.

Since our two ruckmen went down earlier in the season, Mitch has been pretty much carrying us in the ruck and he’s done a really good job.

Daniel Rich is another one who has been really good after just stepping straight into the senior team this year.

The main difference between the top and bottom teams seems to be the intensity at the ball and the ball carrier. How can the Lions improve in that area?
Gary from Pelican Waters (QLD)

I think we’ve already improved a lot on this from last year.

But I reckon the other main difference between the top and bottom sides is the skill level.

We worked really hard on this over the pre-season and it has definitely improved over the last couple of weeks. Our kicking efficiency levels are much higher than they were earlier in the year.

I am really keen on playing in the big league one day. I’m just wondering if you could give me any pointers.
Dan from Ormeau (QLD)

Must best piece of advice would be to just enjoy your footy – particularly as a junior.

Are there any players in particular who are intimidating to play on?
Alastair from Leda (WA)

There are probably a couple players in the competition that you know when you play on them, it’s going to be a tough day.

But I’m not going to name who they are.

Hey Ash. Are you getting married anytime soon? Would you invite the whole team?
Chris from Burwood (VIC)

Nah, I’m not getting married anytime soon – in fact, I can’t see myself getting married in the foreseeable future.

If I do get married, I don’t think I would invite the whole team – that’s a lot of blokes. I’d probably just invite the players that I am closest with at the Club.

Hi Ash, I’m getting married soon and want some advice on what I should do on my Bucks night.
Andrew from Melbourne (VIC)

Don’t stuff up.

Do you have a nickname at the Club? If so, where did it come from? Are there any other good ones around the Club?
Steven from Knox (VIC)

Yeah, the guys have been calling me ‘Boonj’ ever since I joined the Club. I’ve actually had that nickname since my Colts days at South Fremantle.

Troy Selwood has a pretty good one. He is known as ‘bunno’ around the Club – which is short for Bunnings because they sell wood.

We sometimes call Daniel Rich ‘the sponge’ because he just soaks up information.

Do you find yourself getting recognised a lot in the streets? Is it different depending on whether you’re in Brisbane or Melbourne? Do you ever get annoyed if a fan asks for an autograph or photo while you’re doing your own thing?
David from Brisbane (QLD)

Yeah, you get recognised a bit in the streets but living in Queensland is great because the Rugby League players take most of the focus off us AFL players.

Every now and then you might get someone come up to you and ask for an autograph when you go out for dinner, but I’m always happy to sign stuff. That’s part of our job as footballers.

Hey Ash, how does the ‘beep test’ work? What is the distance between the witches hats and how far apart are the beeps?
Rowan from Ferny Hills (QLD)

The markers are placed 20 metres apart and the beeps go up in stages. Each level takes about one minute to complete and the beeps become shorter and shorter the longer it goes.

By stage 12 or 13, you basically have to sprint to reach the markers in time. The fittest guys at the Lions generally reach level 15.

Who has the highest IQ at the Club?
Mike from Frankston (VIC)

Probably Luke Power. He has a university degree and is pretty switched on.

Click here to ask Ash McGrath your question.