Charman keen to stay a Lion
Charman keen to stay a Lion
5:41 PM Wed 11 July, 2007
By Laine Clark
AAP
A SHOCK 27-point AFL win over West Coast provided a glimpse into the rebuilding Brisbane Lions' future - and off-contract ruckman Jamie Charman clearly wants to be apart of it.
Charman, 25, has been linked to Richmond and St Kilda this year since deciding to postpone talks about his future until the end of the season.
However, the premiership-winning ruckman said he would love to stay in Brisbane, describing the prospect of playing alongside the Lions' emerging youngsters as "exciting".
Charman confirmed he won't be making a final decision on his future until the end of the year but stressed it did not mean he was thinking of leaving Brisbane.
"It's about finishing the year off for me and looking at the next year at the end of the season - it's more a personal thing than anything," said Charman, who plays his 100th game against Melbourne on Saturday night.
"But I love Brisbane, I love the Lions and I love this team. I'd love to stay.
"My life is set up here, my business is set up here. I'm looking to stay."
The emerging Lions who shone in the last round boil over at Perth have clearly motivated Charman in his seventh season at Brisbane.
"It has moulded the side a little bit together after six losses, that win helps us and gives us confidence," Charman said.
"It is exciting. We have had a few changes over the last couple of weeks and guys are getting their chance to play.
"(But) one win doesn't make a season, we've got to really build the second half of the year from now."
Charman appeared to relish the chance to combine with emerging ruckman Matthew Leuenberger, who made his debut in the last round upset at Subiaco.
"He's going to be a fantastic player for the club," Charman said of Leuenberger.
"I look forward to playing alongside him for the rest of my career."
It is still sinking in for Charman that he is approaching his 100th game for Brisbane.
And no wonder - Charman would be forgiven for thinking he would never reach the milestone after several injury-marred seasons including a dislocated shoulder that cut short 2006.
"Looking up at the 100 (game) board at the club downstairs, there's some big names," Charman said.
"Walking into the club seven years ago I wouldn't have thought I would get there, that's for sure."
AFL Premiership Round 15
Brisbane Lions v Melbourne
Saturday 14 July 2007
Gabba, 7:15pm (local time)