In 10 seasons Ryan Lester has never been more settled in the Brisbane backline but, two wins away from a flag, the AFL veteran still fears being squeezed out next year.
In Jack Riewoldt the off-contract defender took on one of his biggest marking assignments in Friday’s finals defeat of Richmond, the bold move crucially allowing fullback Harris Andrews to roam free.
The 28-year-old labelled it the “most enjoyable game he’s played in” while he said establishing himself in the Lions’ defensive unit came after a moment of reflection at this stage last season.
“It’s all mindset for me; in the past I’ve tried to wait for someone else to do something,” the 140-gamer said.
“Now I’m potentially being a bit more selfish out there … but I think by doing that I’m contributing more, playing a bit more assertive and backing myself in.”
“I have to be a bit more red (emotional) than blue (calm) … you’ve got to find your purple zone in the middle and I needed to get outside my comfort zone.”
Lester’s fine form comes after the arrival of son Romeo last month, but with the expectation that list reductions will endanger his playing future.
With a business degree in hand, he’d already started assessing his options during the COVID-19 break.
“I’ve been joking that I only sign one-year contracts to keep myself hungry,” he said.
“I looked at what might come next after football and it’s exciting.
“I’m doing everything I can to get a new contract, but with list cuts it’s going to make it a more difficult … hopefully my footy career goes on for a bit longer yet.”
Meanwhile Lester is enjoying his newly-gained membership into the Lions’ dad club – bolstered by the arrival of Daniel Rich’s second child on the weekend – as they prepare for next weekend’s preliminary final.
“I’ve been bonding with Lincoln McCarthy, Richy and Zorks (Dayne Zorko) and guys that have had kids … it puts more value on the relationships in the club,” he said.
“I’ve been here 10 years and there’s no better time to be in the side than right now, so I feel lucky in that regard.”