BRISBANE Lions utility Rohan Bewick thought his AFL days were over before a positional switch to the wing last year breathed new life into his career.
The 25-year-old had a stuttering start to 2014, playing just four games in the first half of the season until coach Justin Leppitsch decided to give him another chance based on his form in the NEAFL.
Twelve games later and the Perth product had twice broken his own personal record for possessions in a game and had carved out a niche in a Lions side that was in a state of flux.
Now after a summer of consolidation in Brisbane, Bewick looks bound for a spot in the Lions' round one team to face Collingwood.
"I thought I was gone, early part of last year," he admitted.
"I was pretty thankful Leppa gave me that opportunity to play wing in the seniors.
"To have a couple of good games in the NEAFL and then carry that straight into the AFL was pretty pleasing and encouraging for my own form."
Bewick has spent the entire pre-season in the same role on the wing and across half-forward, and he expects little to change as the Lions prepare for their final NAB Challenge hit-out on Friday.
The Lions face Gold Coast in a clash where both sides are expected to field close to their best possible line-ups and bring season proper-levels of intensity.
It has been seven months since both clubs’ last meaningful game for points.
"It's a bloody long pre-season, especially with the (cricket) World Cup pushing it back a few weeks," Bewick said.
"We're pretty ready to go."
Another Lion with a new lease on life is key position player Daniel McStay, who will be used as a tall forward option this year.
McStay was told last year by Leppitsch that he would not get a look in as a key defender and suggested a permanent move into attack.
Given the silky skills of the Lions’ new-look midfield contingent and the presence of Josh Green, Dayne Zorko and Lewis Taylor - the small forward trio better known as the 'Mosquito Squad' - it's a change he's looking forward to.
"I'm already teeing up the midfielders in training and just trying to work with them, learn their strengths and what their favourite kicks are - (Tom) Rockliff can't kick over 30 metres, so you're always trying to hit up short," McStay joked.
"I always found it pretty easy to switch from forward and back, so the change up forward hasn't really affected how I go about things."
