JONATHAN Freeman admits "it's a big step up" to the AFL, but the Peregian Beach teenager is keen to make an impact in the Brisbane forward line this campaign.
Freeman was secured by the Lions with a fourth-round draft pick (zone) after stirring displays for the state under-18 side and Lions Academy outfit last year, when the 198cm, 95kg sharpshooter made dramatic improvements in his game, particularly with his marking.
The 19-year-old is itching to get a run on the big stage, but as a rookie he concedes he may have to bide his time.
"I don't have too high expectations on myself to get a game too early in the season considering it's my first year in the system," he said.
"But throughout the year I definitely want to earn a spot in the side and hopefully hold it and go from there."
The former Noosa Tiger has shown glimpses of his potential during the pre-season, along with fellow youngster Michael Close.
But among those who could be blocking Freeman's path are club icon Jonathan Brown, Ash McGrath, Brent Staker, Jordan Lisle and Luke McGuane.
"I think the first year, for me, especially being tall and having to potentially play that key forward position, is more about development and improving my body shape and my fitness and learning the tricks of the trade, because it's pretty tough to play that key position when you're younger," Freeman said.
STILL, he was first emergency for a nearly full-strength side in its NAB Challenge win over the Gold Coast at Townsville last weekend and he played in the Challenge loss to Hawthorn in Melbourne recently.
"It (playing against the Hawks) was an awesome experience ... just to be out there at Etihad (Stadium) and to have some pretty big names running around in front of you like Sam Mitchell and Jarryd Roughead," he said.
"It was pretty weird and sort of surreal in a way just to see them and to try and chase them down."
The Lions will have a practice match against the Sydney Swans at Burpengary on March 8 before their season proper gets under way against the Hawks in Melbourne on March 22.
Freeman is hopeful his side can get to the finals after failing to make it that far for the past four years.
"Our first priority is just to try and execute (new coach) Justin Leppitsch's game plan and then just being competitive and hopefully getting a spot in the top eight," he said.
Written by Steele Taylor for The Sunshine Coast Daily- http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/big-stage-appeals-to-ex-coast-young-gun-first-tast/2184106/
Last Modified on 22/04/2014 09:52