Lions' Sherman rushes to AFL milestone - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Lions' Sherman rushes to AFL milestone

By Jim Morton 08/04/2010 10:12:16 AM Comments (0)

Lions speedster Justin Sherman has put up his hand to lead Brisbane's next generation of AFL midfielders to assist Simon Black and Luke Power.

Sherman will play his 100th match on Saturday when Brisbane continues what the 23-year-old describes as a "unique" fierce rivalry against fellow unbeaten side Port Adelaide.

The Tasmanian product, playing off the half-forward flank, is keen to lift his game in his sixth senior season by becoming a reliable ball-winner in the midfield.

Since shrugging off the inconsistency which plagued his early career, Sherman on Wednesday revealed he'd set his sights on adding extra depth to Michael Voss's growing on-ball division.

He felt Brisbane had relied on Black and Power for too long and it was now time for the likes of himself, Michael Rischitelli, Daniel Rich and other youngsters to step up.

"Going inside and helping the likes of Blackie and they can't take the load in there every week," Sherman said in detailing his current team ambition.

"We've got to be able to generate eight to 10 guys every week who can go in the middle of the square and help guys like Blackie out.

"Guys like myself and Rischa have got to elevate our games and be able to help guys like that out and use our speed and toughness through there.

"I've put on some bulk this year and hope to get in there and help out.

"If we run 10 guys through there that's what's going to catch teams out because they're not going to expect it."

Despite being drafted at No.45 in 2004, Sherman shot onto the scene quickly in 2005 by playing 19 games under Leigh Matthews before going on to be second in the club's 2006 best and fairest count.

But he was a major disappointment in 2007 and was mentioned as a potential trade.

Sherman, who wears the No.11 jersey worn by Tasmanian and Lions great Alastair Lynch, is currently contracted to Brisbane through to the end of 2012 and wants to be a one-club player.

"To play 100 games is definitely something that is pretty special and something I'll cherish," he said.

"To be up there with guys like Lynchy is a great honour, and something I didn't think I'd achieve in such a short time.

"I think my best years are to come, I'm still learning as a footy player and I've got a lot to prove to myself as well."

While Sherman didn't play in the Lions' 2004 grand final loss to Port, he said the "fierce rivalry" remained and was expecting one of the toughest battles of the year in Adelaide.

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