Vodafone Brisbane Lions livewire Justin Sherman has developed an impressive football resume in a little more than two seasons at the elite level.

 

The young Tasmanian was selected by the Lions with pick 45 in the 2004 National Draft and has since proven to be a bargain. 

 

Sherman made his senior debut in round 4 2005 against Hawthorn at the MCG and generated some excitement for members and supporters in an otherwise dirty day for the Lions. He kicked three goals and was clearly one of the team’s best players in the disappointing 46-point loss.

 

From this point the Lions knew they had something special.

 

Now Sherman will line up for his first official AFL milestone this weekend when he plays his 50th match against Richmond at Docklands.

 

The young Lion is taking the milestone in his stride this week preferring to focus on getting back on the winners list against the winless Tigers on Saturday night. The Lions have lost their past three matches and will be wary of a Tigers outfit that has been playing much better than its 0-9 win/loss record suggests.

 

“It’s going to be good to play in a milestone but more importantly I am hopeful that by the end of the game we can come away with a win,” he said.

 

“Richmond has put in a few really good performances recently. You can’t underestimate any opposition at this level.

 

“We’ve looked at our last three performances and our last quarters probably haven’t been as good as they should have been. We’ve realised that and are hoping to counteract it this week.

 

Sherman played 48 consecutive senior matches since making his debut before being relegated to the Lions reserves team a fortnight ago. The pressure for a position in the senior team is so fierce within the club and Sherman paid the price for his inconsistent form.

 

While the news of his omission came somewhat as a shock, rather than sulk about it Sherman was determined to improve his game and fight for his spot back within the senior team.

 

“It was a big reality check,” he said. “I knew that I had to work harder the next week to put my name back up there again.

 

“I took it as a very positive week. I wanted to make sure I went back (to the reserves) with a positive attitude and take the training week as if I was still playing in the seniors. I trained really hard and felt really good.

 

“That said, I probably didn’t have the best of games (with the Suncoast Lions) but I worked hard on improving my deficiencies. I gave it my all.

 

“Leigh told me to go back and work on my tackling and my contested work. I have since done extra work on these areas which will make me a better player.

 

Sherman showed enough for the Suncoast Lions to warrant selection in the seniors last week against Collingwood and is now determined to once again keep his name regularly in the side.   

 

“I got another opportunity and realised that this team is fantastic and when you do get the opportunity you never want to let it slip. That’s been my philosophy ever since I got my first game.

 

“I want to keep doing the things that the team wants me to.