Lions in ‘Beast Mode’ with Mathieson

Rhys Mathieson’s loyalty to the Lions will be rewarded on Sunday with his 50th AFL appearance for Brisbane.

While it might only be a small milestone to many, it’s significant for Mathieson, who has so often been on the fringes since making his debut in 2016.

Despite his desire for more AFL football, the 24-year-old Geelong Falcons product has never sought to leave the Lions.

“I feel like I’ve made a really good decision to stay at the club,” Mathieson said ahead of the Lions battle with Fremantle at the Gabba on Sunday.

“It’s not that I was searching for other clubs, but I just wanted to be loyal and really stick it out.

“I’ve been there since I’ve been drafted. We’ve been down the bottom and down in the dumps then, so it’s rewarding to know that I’ve stuck it out because we’ve been in the finals for the past two seasons and are striving for that again this year.”

Brisbane Lions midfielder Rhys Mathieson will make his 50th AFL appearance. Picture: Tara CroserSource:News Corp Australia

Midfielder Mathieson’s latest selection opportunity has come because of a long-term ankle injury suffered by Lions talisman and Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale.

“I’m definitely not a replacement for Lachie Neale. He’s hard man to replace – that’s for sure,” Mathieson said.

“He’s a champion player, but we both play in the midfield, so I can step in and play a part in that midfield group, which is such a talented group.

“I was always confident in my ability but I needed to get the chance.

“As my coach (Chris Fagan) said, I don’t need to do anything special. I’ve just got to go out there, play my role, be a good teammate, and just do what’s required for my team.

“I play to my strengths – my contested footy, just being able to win the footy and the ability to hunt. I don’t have to do anything special outside of that.”

Mathieson is hugely popular among him teammates, and have gladly kept his nickname from under 18 football – “Beast Mode” – going at the Lions.

“It’s more of a fun thing. A lot of the boys will tell you it’s probably just because I've only got one speed which is full speed,” he said.

After a slow start to the season, the Lions have recovered and are targeting a fourth successive win on Sunday.

Their hat-trick of victories included last Saturday’s 49-point spanking of heavyweights Port Adelaide at the Gabba.

“We’re feeling pretty confident after last week’s win against the Power, who we know are a very good team this year,” Mathieson said.

“They (Fremantle) are going to bring their best – they’ve got superstars in their team.”

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