WHAT has four arms, four legs, two heads, a combined height of 397cm and an abundance of potential – but only nine games of AFL experience?
The answer: Two Brisbane Lions ruckmen.
The Lions fielded one of their most inexperienced line-ups ever in the weekend’s NAB Cup clash with Essendon, and nowhere was the side younger than in the ruck.
Matthew Leuenberger and Joel Tippett, both 19-years-old, battled strongly against the seasoned Bombers pairing of David Hille and Jason Laycock.
With less than half a season's experience at senior level, Leuenberger admits it was a strange feeling to find himself “leading” the ruck.
"It definitely was a bit different to be starting in the ruck like that because I’m still learning to play in the AFL as, I guess, a back-up ruckman," Leuenberger told lions.com.au.
"But it was something I’d done for part of a game against Sydney last year and you do get used to it.
"It’s a good opportunity to just keep developing."
Leuenberger looks set to get plenty more development opportunities in 2008, with the Lions’ stock of “experienced” ruckmen now whittled down to two – himself and number-one big man Jamie Charman.
Fellow youngster Cameron Wood went to Collingwood late last year in the deal which netted midfielder Travis Johnstone from Melbourne, while veteran Beau McDonald unexpectedly retired last week after a horror run with injuries.
Basketball convert Tippett, who is yet to play a senior game, remains on the Lions’ rookie list.
"Last year it was really good with the four of us because there was a healthy bit of competition and we were all pushing each other," Leuenberger said.
"Obviously things have changed and hopefully the opportunities will keep coming my way.
"It’s pretty exciting to think that could happen but, at the same time, there is probably a little bit more pressure to perform now that only the two of us have played senior footy before."
The East Perth product will enter the home-and-away season heavier and stronger than he did his first campaign at the Gabba.
He will also benefit from a close to full-scale pre-season, having been limited by the after-effects of osteitis pubis (OP) last summer.
"I’ve been on slightly modified program over the pre-season because of the OP but I’d have to say I’m fitter and stronger than I ever have been before," he said.
"When I first got to the club I was about 93kg and now I’m up to 99kg. And the weights I’m lifting would be a fair bit heavier as well.
"I think my getting bigger is a combination of diet and being in a weights room every second day and I definitely feel in the best shape I’ve ever been."
