Lions.com.au recently caught up with former Fitzroy Best & Fairest Ross Thornton who played 146 games and kicked 26 goals with the Club from 1980-1989.

What do you do with yourself these days?

I’ve been with McDonalds since 1998 and am currently running two McDonalds restaurants - one in Keysborough and one in Parkmore.

I come down 4-5 days a week, and pretty much just jump in and do whatever is needed.

What is your fondest memory from Fitzroy?

Probably just that period in the early-to-mid 1980s, when we were relatively successful and regularly played in the Finals.

I had the privilege of playing alongside some awesome players, including the likes of Bernie Quinlan and Garry Wilson. Even towards the end of my career, I had the chance to witness the emergence of Paul Roos, Gary Pert and Richard Osborne.

You won the 1984 Fitzroy Best & Fairest award - was that your proudest individual achievement?

That obviously stands out, and it was truly an honour.

Bernie Quinlan had kicked 100 goals that year and we finished top four and played off in the Finals. So to be formally recognised by our coaching staff was something that I will always cherish.

Do you still keep in touch with many of your team-mates?

It’s a bit hard really, but there are a few that I see pretty regularly.

The ones that come to mind are Neville Taylor, Doug Barwick and Grant O’Riley.

I had a wonderful day at the football last Sunday at the Lions’ past players’ reunion at Etihad Stadium where I got the chance to catch up with guys like Garry Sidebottom, who I hadn’t seen for many years.

Because you don’t often see them, you tend to forget your old team-mates a bit.

But Garry was such a big character at the Club back then, and it was nice to see that nothing much has changed.

Do you keep an eye on the current Lions’ team?

Yeah, but it’s hard because my son plays footy at Port Melbourne and I’m usually out there watching him.

But when the opportunity presents itself, we go along and have a look. I’m also a very keen observer when I get the chance to watch them on TV.

The Brisbane Lions will celebrate its inaugural Hall of Fame on Saturday 23 June in Melbourne by inducting a select number of all-time Club greats. Which players from your era do you think are most likely to be among that elite group?

Bernie Quinlan and Garry Wilson immediately come to mind.

Bernie was a super player and won a Brownlow Medal, while Garry won a number of Best & Fairest awards and played well over 250 games for the Club.

You will feature on the new series of Channel Seven’s The Amazing Race Australia with your daughter Tarryn. How was that experience?

It was sensational - such an amazing experience.

You basically get an envelope, and never know where you’re headed from one day to the next.

Plus, the things you get to do in those countries are generally not what you’d expect to experience as a tourist. There are eating challenges, physical activities such as jumping off cliffs, and plenty of other things that only the locals usually do.

The new series of The Amazing Race Australia kicks-off in most regions at 9pm tonight on Channel 7. Be sure to tune in and cheer on a former Club Champion in the entertaining race around the world.

CLICK HERE to read more about Ross and Tarryn’s impending journey.

CLICK HERE to ‘like’ Ross and Tarryn on the official Amazing Race Australia website.