BRISBANE Lions ruckman Jamie Charman has welcomed this week’s refreshing deluge of rain in south-east Queensland almost as much as the farmers – albeit for vastly different reasons.

The arrival of a day-long downpour on Tuesday evening broke a frustrating dry spell for much of the Sunshine State.

It may also force umpires to abandon the traditional centre bounce and adopt the throw for Saturday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs, eliminating the high-arching bounces the Gabba is becoming notorious for.

“I think it [the high bounce] nullifies the skills you like to use in the ruck duels,” Charman said.

“The AFL doesn’t like to see blokes jumping into each other too much, but with the ball bouncing that high, it’s really hard to judge and you always seem to go early and end up crashing into your opponent.

“I realise the bounce has always been a part of the game’s history but if they throw it up [at the Gabba] it gives you more of a chance to use your tapwork.”

Charman is the only recognised ruckman in the Lions’ side attempting to snap a month-long drought of its own against the tenth-placed Bulldogs. The Lions’ last win, over Fremantle, came on the first weekend of May.

The 24-year-old has a healthy respect for Bulldogs ruck pairing - 211cm Peter Street and 197cm Luke Darcy.

“Street is very tall but he’s also got a good leap – so he can be pretty awkward,” Charman explained.

“His main strength is in getting hit-outs but he also gets his share of touches and can get forward and kick a goal, as he showed against Carlton last week.

“Darcy has had the two knee reconstructions and is still probably feeling his way back but he has been a sensational player and one I’ve always looked up to and respected.

“If you go back to 2002 he was right up there in the running for the Brownlow Medal.”

Charman has more reason than most players to look forward to a relaxing mid-season bye in a fortnight’s time, with business booming at his men’s day spa.

Appropriately named No. 19, the South Bank establishment has had a healthy flow of customers since opening last year, but has been especially busy during the current Brisbane racing carnival.

“It’s great, we’ve had plenty of guys coming in before they go to the races,” Charman said.

“They’ll come in during the morning, get a haircut and maybe their hair and nails done, then go home, get dressed up and head off to the track.”