THERE'S a surety and safety about being at home, and for Brisbane Lion Daniel Merrett, that means a return to defence.
After what he's described as the worst season of his career, the veteran full-back looked rock solid anchoring the Lions' defence in their opening two NAB Challenge victories.
Merrett had a tumultuous 2014, starting with his degenerating form when moved to the forward line and finishing with trade rumours linking him to both Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
But after an off-season chat with coach Justin Leppitsch, Merrett said he wanted to fight for the spot he forged his reputation in.
And fight he has.
Now 30, Merrett has a smile on his face again and says he's playing with an extra edge early in the season.
For the first time in years, he knows there's no guarantee of a starting position, and it's forced him to dig deep.
"Maybe in the past I've thought I've been pretty settled in my position, I felt comfortable I'd get a spot, but now I definitely don't," Merrett told AFL.com.au.
"On the back of having a bad year, being thrown around for trade, it gives you a bit of a kick and an edge.
"Feeling like I have an unsettled position in the team also gives you an edge.
"I'm in a way better headspace and a lot more determined than I was last year."
Merrett went into last year following a badly broken ankle at the end of 2013, and said despite being underdone with fitness, he thought experience would help him through.
It didn't.
When he played in defence, he was off the pace, and when he moved forward to cover injuries to Brent Staker, Luke McGuane and ultimately the retirement of Jonathan Brown, he struggled for consistency.
"When you're playing on the best defenders every week, it's a tough gig," Merrett said. "It was a pretty tough year last year."
But now Merrett says he's back in his best position and the Lions already look a more settled team for it.
He'll team up with impressive youngsters Justin Clarke and Darcy Gardiner, while the likes of Michael Close, Dan McStay and Staker hold the forward line together.
"We're two games down and I'm still finding my touch," Merrett said.
"Getting up and giving the ball a good thump is where I feel most natural. It gives you a bit of confidence when you can get up and get a fist on it."
Spoken like a man who's glad to be home.
