Sure is, and now any offspring is eligible for a father / son (daughter) qualification with the club, noting Ryan's current partner is none other than Dayne Zorko's sister (fair genetic combination).Class act - well done to Ryan!
Well done Ryan.
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Sure is, and now any offspring is eligible for a father / son (daughter) qualification with the club, noting Ryan's current partner is none other than Dayne Zorko's sister (fair genetic combination).Class act - well done to Ryan!
Lester in the ruck for his 100th. Interesting.
Sure is, and now any offspring is eligible for a father / son (daughter) qualification with the club, noting Ryan's current partner is none other than Dayne Zorko's sister (fair genetic combination).
Well done Ryan.
WITH his magician’s name and bag of tricks, Dayne Zorko qualifies as a Brisbane Lions cult hero – but he says within the club’s four walls that title belongs to an unassuming teammate. Ryan Lester played his 100th AFL game in last week’s QClash and the milestone passed with barely a mention.
However, inside the Gabba, a week never passes without his on and off-field deeds being highlighted by appreciative coaches or teammates. Zorko said it was common for Lester, on top of his own weekly review, to go through a teammate’s tape with them and then clear time to help them practise the areas that had been identified.
“The things he does inside the four walls maybe that other people don’t see, everyone loves him for it,’’ Zorko said. “I reckon he’d be the most revered player at our club.’’
The 24-year-old is neither an elite athlete nor kick of the footy, although he does possess vice-like hands and is a very good overhead mark. His true value lies in his footy IQ, the ability and willingness to play any role the team requires, often changing within a game, and his complete selflessness.
“He is the ultimate role player because he is so versatile, with his ability to play midfield, forward and back, often within the one game,’’ Zorko said. “And he never complains, he puts the team first every single time with everything he does, and that’s why he’s our cult hero.’’
As his team prepares to take on Melbourne at the MCG this afternoon, coach Chris Fagan went one step further, rating Lester the Lions’ most important player. “And he is such a student of the game that he knows what he has to do in any given situation,’’ Fagan said. ‘‘The other great part about him is he is able to coach the other guys out on the field, where they need to stand and what they need to do.
“He isn’t necessarily our best player but in many ways he is our most important.’’
One-vote wonder: Ryan Lester
A member of the leadership group and one of the most popular players at the club, Lester's performance against Carlton in round 18 just might see him grab his first ever Brownlow vote. One goal, 26 disposals and nine marks in a 30-point victory.
#35 - Ryan Lester
Ryan Lester's versatility on field in 2018 was an asset to the Lions' young side. He played a total of 15 Senior matches, in a variety of positions.
In his eighth season, Lester was again part of the Lions' leadership group. A few quiet performances early in the season saw him return to the NEAFL. Lester produced a number of solid efforts during his five NEAFL games in 2018, averaging 26 disposals, 7 marks and 1.6 goals per game.
In Round 11, Lester returned to Seniors as the Lions took on North Melbourne at Etihad. The 26-year-old's elevation produced one of his best performances this season. While consistency wasn't Lester's best feature this season, both players and coaching staff have been impressed by his leadership.
General Manager of Football David Noble emphasised his role upon the development of his young teammates earlier today. "Ryan has shown his leadership this year through not only his actions but his behind the scenes influence with some of our emerging talent," Noble said. “He is always putting the team first as has been demonstrated by the versatility of roles for our team in the last couple of years.”
Lester's influence both on and off the field was today rewarded by re-signing for 2019.
Coaches Comment - Murray Davis, Backline Coach
"Came into the side as a defender in Round 11 v North Melbourne, Froggy always gave us a contest and on numerous occasions made goal-saving tackles or a smother to deny the opposition a score. Highlight was his performance against Gold Coast in Round 22 where he laid five tackles."
Senior matches: 15, NEAFL matches: 5
Zorko will front an eight-man leadership group with Harris Andrews as Vice-Captain. Ryan Lester, Stefan Martin and Allen Christensen will return to the group, with new additions Darcy Gardiner, Jarrod Berry and Lachie Neale. The group will continue to be mentored by Luke Hodge.
The seven members joining him are thrilled to lead beside him:
Ryan Lester – “I feel proud and excited to play a part in leading our team and Club for the 2019 season. We are excited for what’s to come.”
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Ryan Lester — Lester has been in and out of the senior team this year, playing nine AFL games. He is a good role player for the Lions and can step up and fill a void down back. RE-CONTRACT