JARRYD Lyons says off-season ankle surgery has him ready to dispel question marks over his running and make an impact for Brisbane in 2019.
In a move that surprised many, Gold Coast delisted Lyons last month with one year remaining on his contract.
The 26-year-old was then snapped up by the Lions on a three-year deal.
After his first official session at his new club on Monday morning – he joined on a modified program last week – Lyons spoke to the media for the first time since his move north.
He said there was "no bad blood" with the Suns and he understood why coach Stuart Dew dropped him twice in 2018 despite being in the top-10 in the AFL for average clearances and contested possessions.
FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game
"It wasn't a terrible year that everyone keeps making it out to be, I played 18 or 19 games," Lyons said.
"I got dropped a couple of times, but I understand why and I could see why.
"I was battling with my body and had surgery in the off-season.
"My running power wasn't quite there, and I can understand why I got dropped and have no hard feelings in that regard.
"It was more to do with the opportunity I got up here. They were happy to let me go and I was happy to move."
MUST-WATCH GAMES The 22 you won't want to miss
Lyons conceded some of the criticism around his running was fair, but said he was a new man following the surgery.
"If you looked at the year before I did my ankle I was moving around the ground fine.
"I've had the surgery now and come back bigger and stronger in the legs and more powerful, which is something I've focused on over the last eight weeks since I've had surgery.
"It's something I've been working on and will work on for the rest of the pre-season.
MUST-WATCH GAMES The 22 you won't want to miss
"I'm only 26 and still have a lot of footy ahead of me. I'm going to back myself in to play some good footy like I did in 2016."
Lyons said the chance to play with younger brother Corey, who has been on the Lions' list for two seasons without playing a senior game, was also a key factor in his willingness to switch clubs.
"In no way was there any bad blood or bad feelings between myself and the Gold Coast. I wish them all the best as well."
