A DELAYED start to Brisbane Lions' pre-season training is unlikely to hamper young star Lewis Taylor's 2015 campaign.
Taylor is recovering from knee tendonitis and has been on modified duties since the Lions returned from their end of season break.
"I've had a delayed start. I'm having a bit of tendon trouble at the moment, but it's on the mend," Taylor told the Lions' club website.
"I've started running, so am not far away (from joining the main group).
"I've been doing a bit of swimming here and there. I'm not the greatest swimmer, but it's good to keep the fitness up."
Taylor proved to be one of the biggest bargains of the 2013 national draft after he was taken with pick No.28 overall.
The small forward played all 22 games and booted 12 goals as he claimed the NAB AFL Rising Star award.
But the 19-year-old, whose first pre-season was interrupted by a foot injury, said he isn't feeling any extra pressure to perform next year.
"It doesn't faze me too much. I'm just keen to get out on the track and start running with the group," he said.
"I'm keen get my fitness levels up so that I can maybe spend some more time in the midfield in 2015."
The Lions' on-ball brigade is expected to be among the deepest in the competition next season.
Dayne Beams (Collingwood), Allen Christensen (Geelong) and Mitch Robinson (Carlton) all headed north during the off-season, while penetrating left-footer Daniel Rich is eyeing a round one return after a knee reconstruction.
"They're all good fellas," Taylor said of the Lions' recruits.
"There are some great names there and they'll help our line-up that's for sure."
