Daniel Merrett misses match on Barry Hall
Where did you hear he's not playing?
IN Matthew O'Dwyer, out Barry Hall. Daniel Merrett is the only person associated with the Brisbane Lions who isn't thrilled to hear Hall won't play.
The rampaging Sydney superstar has pulled out of today's clash in Canberra and been replaced by a rookie-listed midfielder.
Merrett has recovered from knee surgery and will take his place against the Swans. He said Hall would have given him the perfect tune-up before round 1 against West Coast.
Instead he is likely to cross paths with giant former Southport player Jesse White, who has reportedly taken big steps in the past 12 months – playing mainly as a centre half forward.
Merrett felt discomfort in his knee in late January and was diagnosed with a slight tear in the lateral meniscus.
Although not a serious injury it can be painful and the decision was made to forego the pre-season tournament to have the problem fixed.
A slightly quicker than expected recovery has given him the chance for one hitout before the season starts against West Coast at Easter.
"I thought I could have played last weekend but I needed a bit more fitness from training," Merrett said.
"I'm going to be blowing hard so I have got that to look forward too, but I feel like I should be able to play most of the game."
Merrett really only became a regular last season when he was asked to fill the big shoes left by the departure to Essendon of Mal Michael.
Before that he had managed just 25 games since joining the club in the 2002 national draft.
Last season he played all 22 and finished eighth in the club's best and fairest.
Although Merrett doesn't share the profile of superstars Jonathan Brown and Simon Black, and other topliners Jamie Charman, Luke Power and Nigel Lappin, you can bet his name would be one of the first pencilled in on the team sheet.
So important is he to Brisbane it is doubtful he is even discussed at selection meetings.
"I'm pretty lucky to find myself in the position I am in," was his modest way of describing his rise up the LIons' pecking order.
"I don't really know how to take that. It is just nice to know I react well when I'm needed in the team. It is a good feeling."