For much of his AFL career Brisbane recruit Lincoln McCarthy's biggest adversary has been his own body.
The 25-year-old managed just 29 games across seven years at Geelong, including just five matches in the past two seasons.
But McCarthy put in an impressive showing for his new club in Sunday's 42-point pre-season win over an inexperienced Hawthorn.
The small forward kicked two goals, picked up 17 disposals and laid eight tackles in a strong display.
He says hitting the ground running in 2019 has had a lot to do with an injury-free pre-season at the Lions.
"There's no major tricks to be able to play every week, you've got to put in a pre-season and that's what we were able to do," McCarthy said.
"It's nice to be able to have a bit of work in the legs even though I was cramping last quarter but that's pretty normal.
"I've sort of only finished 80 per cent of one pre-season.
"It's exciting for me that I've got a bit of work behind me and hopefully that means there's more footy to come."
McCarthy is also excited to be a part of a Lions forward line that includes the varied threats of tall Eric Hipwood, ex-Crow Charlie Cameron and young talent Cam Rayner - who booted three goals against the Hawks.
"Obviously we've all put a pre-season together. Just been trying to work on creating that synergy between all of us," he said.
"We're all, sort of, either experienced or new to the team, we're just trying to get that bond and work out how we go."
