WHEN Jamie Charman talks about going back to basics this pre-season, he isn't referring to a bid to recapture lost form.

The popular Brisbane Lions ruckman's last two seasons have been his best at AFL level.

But his junior club, the Sandgate Hawks, has experienced some tough times and Charman will lend a helping hand to help his old side shore up its footing.

Already he has been installed as the Hawks' No.1 ticket holder.

"If I hadn't played for the Hawks I probably wouldn't be where I am now," Charman said.

"I played juniors there from when I was in under 7s right up until under 16s and the people who helped me in the early stages of my career were fantastic.

"They are trying to get their clubhouse up and going again and get the local kids back and involved.

"They've probably got 200 or 300 at the moment and, based on what they've told me, they reckon they can probably double that."

Charman's senior football career also began at the Hawks, when, as a 15-year-old, he faced the Lions' state league team - then known as the Lion Cubs.

In his trademark aggressive fashion, Charman didn't take long to get acquainted with now-teammate Beau McDonald.

"It was back in 1998 and I played in the ruck against the big fella," Charman recalled.

"I tried to start a punch-up with him at the opening bounce. Beau actually remembered it when I got to the club - this skinny kid with head gear who tried to have a go at him.

"We [the Hawks] got thumped but it was a great experience for me."

These days Charman and McDonald are on friendlier terms, although healthy competition remains between the pair.

Charman and McDonald, along with rising star Matthew Leuenberger, will be battling it out for ruck opportunities in 2008.

"Obviously Beau has had issues with injuries in the past but he's getting back to where he was before and with Matthew Leuenberger as well, it's a healthy situation for the club," Charman said.

"It's been that way around the club for the eight years that I've been here - ruckmen going against each other to get a game.

"Leuenberger showed last year that he's going to be a big talent for the club in the future and Beau's got plenty of experience, so the depth is there.

"It's exactly what the club needs - three ruckman up and running and bringing out the best in one another."

Sandgate Hawks will host a junior sign-on day on February 9. For more information, visit www.sandgatefootballclub.com.