Power prepares for 200th match for Lions - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Power prepares for 200th match for Lions

By Laine Clark 16/04/2008 06:04:24 PM Comments (0)

Family ties may yet pull Brisbane Lions co-captain Luke Power back to his hometown Melbourne.

But not before the classy midfielder completes some unfinished business at the Queensland-based AFL club.

Preparing for his 200th game - all for the Lions - Power didn't sound like a man leaving Brisbane any time soon.

However, Power, 28, admitted he came close to walking out in 2005 - and didn't rule out leaving the Lions in the future.

But Power said the lure of reclaiming the Lions' former glory had kept him in Queensland - and believed the club was on the verge of doing just that.

Three years ago, the off-contract Power contemplated big offers from Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon and St Kilda.

Adding extra spice, master niggler and then teammate Jason Akermanis had revealed that if Power left it could be because of a rift with Lions coach Leigh Matthews.

The Lions were also suffering a hangover - missing the 2005 finals after playing the previous four grand finals, winning three.

When the dust settled Power signed a five-year Lions deal in September 2005.

His loyalty will be rewarded when he plays game No.200 on Saturday night - a blockbuster against ladder leaders Hawthorn at the Gabba.

"There was at one stage (a temptation to leave). It was obviously a family thing - whether I wanted to pursue my football in Melbourne where my family was," Power said.

"At the time I wanted to be part of Brisbane's next success, hopefully at the moment we are on the verge of that."

The former All Australian's faith has been repaid somewhat.

After three lean seasons, the revitalised Lions have begun 2008 well with a 2-2 record - including a remarkable 67-point turnaround to beat Port last round.

But Power still baulked when asked if he would play out his career in Brisbane.

"It's hard to say in football, circumstances can change pretty quickly," he said.

"But I am contracted with the Lions for another three years and I am very happy here."

He could even afford to joke about his future, cheekily throwing up mooted AFL club Gold Coast as a possible option.

"Who knows maybe the Gold Coast might give me an extra year once I am finished, (former Lions captain Michael Voss) Vossy might give me an extra year - just a joke," he laughed.

Power - a three-time premiership player - will become the Lions' 24th player to play 200 games.

It has already been a good week for Power - after featuring in the miraculous last round win, he was named in the Victorian 40-strong squad for May 10's Hall of Fame tribute match.

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