Jamie Charman

[christicehurst]

http://i49.tinypic.com/25taqg8.png

Number: 19
Height: 197cm
Weight: 102kg
Debut: Rd 5 2001
DOB: 16-07-1982
Recruited from: Northern Eagles (QLD)

Introduction
Bullocking Queenslander Jamie Charman is one of the competition’s most intimidating ruckmen. The Lions’ big man has suffered some injury setbacks throughout his career but is widely regarded for his aggressive attack on both the ball and the man. Charman’s height and agility has also proven effective when moved forward.

Background
• Charman moved from Brisbane to Maryborough at the age of six and played junior football at Sandgate – the former home of dual AFLQ Grogan Medallist Don Smith, whom after the Lions’ Most Professional Player is named.

• A standout junior swimmer, he finished his education at the rugby stronghold of Nudgee College in 1999, was a member of the Northern Raiders’ U18 premiership side and made his AFLQ debut with the Northern Eagles as a 16 year-old.

• He moved to Cairns in the first six months of 2000 to study primary teaching, yet continued playing football with the Cairns Saints and North Queensland.

• Charman was one of three Queensland players to earn All-Australian honours at the U18 national championships along with eventual AFL No.1 draft selection Nick Riewoldt and Michael Davis who was drafted by Essendon.

• He returned to Brisbane after the U18 carnival and played the last five games of the season with the Northern Eagles in the AFLQ competition, including the Grand Final.

• He was drafted by the Lions under the AFL’s then developing market priority rule with selection No.29 at the 2000 National Draft.

2001
• Charman became the 10th youngest Brisbane Lions player to debut when he earned a senior call-up against Fremantle at the Gabba in Round 5. He didn’t see a lot of match time coming off the bench Beau McDonald and was subsequently dropped the following week.

• He received a second chance in the now famous Round 10 clash against Essendon at the Gabba but failed to return to the seniors for the remainder of the year.

• He was diagnosed with a foot stress fracture in late July and missed a large chunk of the AFLQ season.

• He kicked five goals for the Lions Reserves upon his return from injury and played brilliantly throughout the AFLQ Finals Series. He suffered an eye injury early in the Reserves come-from-behind Grand Final victory against Southport.

2002
• Charman exceeded all expectations in his second AFL season, playing an integral role in one of the AFL’s strongest ruck divisions and earning an AFL Rising Star Nomination.

• Such was his form that he kept Lions’ No.1 premiership ruckman Clark Keating out of the senior side from Round 13 until Beau McDonald was hurt on the eve of the finals.

• Despite playing 20 of the first 23 matches in the senior team, Charman was left out of the 2002 Grand Final side when Keating’s return to form was too hard to ignore for team selectors.

• The then 20-year-old handled the setback with such aplomb that Lions Captain Michael Voss was moved to praise him on Club Champion night for his team-first approach throughout the finals.

• Charman went on to win the Club’s Best First Year Player award and remained pleased with the fact that he had made such a strong impact in only his second season.

2003
• Charman took further strides after his promising 2002 season by playing in all 26 senior matches – including the Club’s history-making three-peat premiership side.

• It was due reward for the big Queenslander who had helped carry the Lions ruck division at time throughout the year in the absence of the injured Beau McDonald and Clark Keating.

• His efforts were rewarded by the Lions match committee with his first top ten placing in the Club Champion award.

2004
• Charman physicality and agility helped cement his role as the team’s No.1 ruckman in the early stages of the season.

• His aggression got the better of him in Round 8 and he was handed a two match suspension from the AFL Tribunal for striking. They were the first senior matches he had missed in almost two full seasons.

• He returned to help steer the Lions to another finals series until a clash of knees with Adelaide’s Matthew Clarke at a centre square bounce in Round 17 prematurely ended his season.

• The knee injury cruelled Charman’s hopes of another Grand Final appearance and he was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Lions were defeated by Port Adelaide in the premiership decider.

2005
• Charman’s absence from the senior side was more pronounced in 2005 when he missed a total of 13 matches through injury and suspension.

• He was suspended for two matches following the Club’s infamous Round 1 clash with St Kilda at the Gabba before picking up what was initially diagnosed as a corked calf against Hawthorn in his return match.

• As it turned out, the mobile big man actually had a fracture in his lower leg which sidelined him for an extended period of time.

• Charman found his way back into the senior side towards the end of the season but managed only four matches before he was suspended again – this time for striking against Hawthorn.

• It proved an altogether frustrating season for Charman who managed only nine senior matches.

2006
• Charman bounced back to his influential best at the beginning of 2006 and had soon established himself among the elite ruckmen of the AFL.

• He missed only one match through injury during the first 17 Rounds, averaged a career-best 13.3 disposals per game and kicked a personal best 12 goals for the season.

• However, a collision with Essendon’s David Hille in Round 17 at Telstra Dome resulted in Charman requiring shoulder surgery which ultimately ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

• Despite playing only 16 senior matches, Charman still finished a career-best 6th in the Club Champion award.

2007
• Charman returned from off-season shoulder surgery to feature prominently in the Club’s 2007 NAB Cup campaign as a ruckman/key forward option until he suffered an Achilles strain late in the pre-season competition.

• The Lions’ premier ruckman returned by Round 4 of the regular season and went on to play 17 senior matches – his most since 2003.

• He collected a career-high 21 disposals against the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba and became a driving force behind the team’s mid-season surge which saw the Club win five games in a row and push for finals action.

• He averaged over 12 disposals per game and earned the esteem honour of being selected in Queensland’s inaugural Team of the Year.

2008
• Charman’s importance to the Lions team became even greater when dual premiership ruckman Beau McDonald announced his shock retirement on the eve of the 2008 NAB Cup competition.

• McDonald’s retirement coupled with the Club’s trading of young ruckman Cameron Wood meant that Charman was forced to shoulder the bulk of the ruck load together with second year ruckman Matthew Leuenberger.

• Although severely restricted through injury for much of the season, Charman managed to play 21 of a possible 22 senior matches.

• He was the only Queenslander selected in the AFL’s Hall of Fame Tribute match in May which showcased the best players in the competition. He teamed together with West Coast’s Dean Cox in the Dream Team and took the ruck honours against his Victorian opponents.

• He held the No.1 ruck mantle throughout the season and was also used up forward on occasions to great effect.

• He was named on the interchange bench in the Queensland Team of the Year for the second consecutive season among six other Lions players.

2009
• Charman’s pre-season preparations were interrupted by a variety of injury setbacks (knee, hand) yet he appeared in the Club's season opener against the West Coast Eagles at the Gabba.

• He badly sprained his ankle in the first half of the Lions' Round 4 clash against Collingwood at the Gabba which later required a full reconstruction.

• His 2009 campaign ended prematurely after only three matches and he was unfortunately forced to watch from the sidelines as his team-mates made their way back to the AFL Finals for the first time since 2004. http://www.lions.com.au/players/playerprofile/jamiecharman/tabid/5189/playerid/13990/category/senior/season/2009/selected/bio/default.aspx

[christicehurst]

In juried this week and we will miss him alot for the Port match. Unsure if this is just a week off.

[brandon]

luenburger did great without him top stuff

[christicehurst]

He was impressive, very happy.

[Spanner]

We'll need Charmo back for the Hawks this week though. As good as Lewie was, I can't just see him at this stage in his career being able to sustain that without help.

[Rally_21]

I have to agree. No way Berger can do that every week, but it shows that if we have Charman playing with him as well we can have the luxury of playing Charmo forward for long periods of time. I'm not so sure about Berger up forward, though.

[Spanner]

I have to agree. No way Berger can do that every week, but it shows that if we have Charman playing with him as well we can have the luxury of playing Charmo forward for long periods of time. I'm not so sure about Berger up forward, though.


Charman is brilliant in the forward line, he just moves like an imposing target. As for Lewie, time'll tell. He's got the hands all right, but we'll see about whether his accuracy improves.

[christicehurst]

I don't like hi giving away frees but I like him for getting rough :)

[the_champ33]

Berger did great against Port, but he's too inexperienced to handle the duties alone. Hopefully Charmo is back against the Hawks. They'll need his vetaran presence.

Charmo is an awesome forward player now and looks so natural doing it.

Berger has some decent hands and hopefully one day he can play multiple positions.

One thing we need to look @ doing is keeping the Berger and Charmo fresh in the ruck. In other words we need to nominate a player in the forward line and back line to cover the duties on occassions. Eg Brown or Bradshaw in the forward line and maybe Merrett down back.

[Spanner]

Congratulations to Jamie on securing a position in the initial Dream Team squad for the Hall of Fame game.

[the_champ33]

Well done to the man for sure.

[Spanner]

Jamie's the highest-ranked Lion for set shots accuracy with an 80% strike rate. With the exception of runaway leader Cameron Ling (!) at 95.8% (!!), most of the top ten are within a couple of percentage points of this mark.

Edit: The figures use statistical data from 2006-present. Source: Herald Sun (http://blogs.news.com.au/heraldsun/afl/ourteam/index.php/heraldsun/comments/ling_proves_king_of_the_set_shot)

[worbsy]

His tapwork has kind of dropped off a bit this year I think, but he's been back in good form over the last month or so. So important to our side. Gives away too many free's though...

[the_champ33]

Definitely picked it up over the last month.

Some of those free kicks are soft and pathetic. Ruckman cop plenty of bad luck when it comes to free kicks.

[worbsy]

No good against Hille last night, although not many can beat Hille at the moment.

Another critical match-up next week against Cox. Charmo, you need to step up.

[christicehurst]

No good against Hille last night, although not many can beat Hille at the moment.

Another critical match-up next week against Cox. Charmo, you need to step up.


He was thrashed and he needs to pick up against the Big Cox. Oh dear lord...

[Spanner]

Charmo's a quality ruck, and even though he got beaten last night by a probable All Australian, doesn't mean he's going to fall apart. He can play on Cox, he has done before...

[worbsy]

Cox is having an absolutely killer game right now. He's had bout 40 hitouts against Simmonds, and over 20 possessions, 10 marks...

And Simmonds isn't a bad ruckman...

[christicehurst]

Cox is going to cause huge headaches for us. Lucky for us, Kerr is gone I believe, suspended for a being a bad boy again.

[the_champ33]

Charmo has struggled this season and not been his dominant self. However the last month he's picked it up until last night. Hillie is in top form and All-Australian form right now.

Cox will be a huge challenge and I believe Charmo will relish it, but he'll need help. Cox will exploit him and tire him out if Charmo has to carry the load alone or a majority of it.

[worbsy]

He owns a day spa... Maybe he needs to toughen up again :)

[christicehurst]

He owns a day spa... Maybe he needs to toughen up again :)


Yeah he needs to go to boot camp!

[worbsy]

I'd hate to be the one at boot camp yelling at him when Charmo decides to fire up...

[christicehurst]

He needs to fire up in the good way and attack the ball.

[the_champ33]

I don't see the point in blaming his beauty business, because I'd use the business if I was there. I certainly use some of those services.

Charmo has certainly toned down his aggression though. I am wondering if he's holding back due to his tribunal record and giving away too many free kicks. But he does need to fire up a bit more. He can still be physical without getting into trouble.

[worbsy]

Nup, has to be the Spa business. It's softened him up ;)

[the_champ33]

I use those services that Charmo Salon contains and I don't think I'm that soft.

I like the waxing and facials.

[worbsy]

Soft champ, LOL ;D

[the_champ33]

I'd like to see you get your chilli waxed.

As for the facials, I do those myself @ home courtesy of Da Vinci brand. Rub on my face, leave for 5-10mins, wash off and pat the skin dry

[worbsy]

Haha, yeh, that's not really me.

[the_champ33]

I'm laying the dare on you dude, lol

[worbsy]

Haha, not going to happen. Ever.

[the_champ33]

Well dare one of ya mates or cousins then

[christicehurst]

Soft champ, LOL ;D


It's on now!

[worbsy]

Only 50% of game time from the big fella. No wonder he doesn't seem in form. Lethal won't let him have an impact!

[christicehurst]

Only 50% of game time from the big fella. No wonder he doesn't seem in form. Lethal won't let him have an impact!


Impact? He was poor with the time. Yes he got 3 goals but Cox destroyed him.

[worbsy]

Yes, in the ruck. He could have played 75%, and spent 25% of that time up forward, away from Cox.

[christicehurst]

It's hard when your ruck supple is low with Charman and the Berger. It makes it hard.

[worbsy]

Another very important and tough game coming up for him.
Simmonds is in good form, and works hard around the ground.
Charmo needs to kick goals again like last week. He's very accurate at goal, Charmo.

[the_champ33]

The Beauty Business ;)


http://www.number19.com.au/

[worbsy]

Guarantee that's Champs homepage ;)

[the_champ33]

Nah, it's Charmo's.

You're all welcome to look

[Jedstheman]

Just finished reading Charmo`s Den diaries entry and he caught a plane somewhere with Jim Stynes now he said they where talking about being a ruckman and all that but I reckon old Jimbo may be trying to get in charmo`s ear and recruit him call me crazy but it may have happened Charmo`s cantract was sealed up last year wasn`t it?so it is highly unlikey he would go there as with the Brown to Dees romour but I hate hearing of this stuff with our players and other clubs.

[wildlime]

Yep. Who knows hey.
I know that all coaches have all players phones numbers. I have heard a player take a call from a rival club a few years ago, One of ours, and they niggle them, get in their ears. That sort of stuff. I assume we do the same to other players. I wonder who Lethal has called last?

[worbsy]

I wonder who Lethal has called last?


Ben Cousins.

[wildlime]

I wonder. :D

[worbsy]

He certainly didn't rule it out a couple of weeks back...

It's possible :)

[sammij33]

speaky wat an awesome mark chramo took peety he kicked it to a richmond player

[worbsy]

They turned it over too after getting it I think and we got a goal. Great grab.

[worbsy]

Hurt his hamstring, but we need him to play.

[brandon]

just give him an injection

hell be fine

:D

it worked for vossy

[worbsy]

He's tough I spose... Won't help it heal quicker though...

[worbsy]

Back in great form tonight. Huge game.

[Jedstheman]

Back in great form tonight. Huge game.

And with little help too his second and third efforts at ground level were what did it for me

[worbsy]

I reckon Merrett helped out okay, but yeah, Charmo stood up for most of the game. He has a knack for taking great marks. And tackling too.

[Jedstheman]

I reckon Merrett helped out okay, but yeah, Charmo stood up for most of the game. He has a knack for taking great marks. And tackling too.

Charmo is hard as nails the guy is just so tough love it when Darcy says he used to no he played a game when going up against charmo

[worbsy]

I love his aggression. He just looks angry all the time. And he's a good kick for goal too.

[worbsy]

66% game time, but he was good for every minute of that. 7 contested possessions from 11, and layed 4 tackles. Not bad for a big fella!

[Jedstheman]

Jamie Charman was given a 5.6 rating for the year by inside football.

[the_champ33]

A disgusting year for Charmo, hopefully we can see the Charmo we were once used too.

[Jedstheman]

A disgusting year for Charmo, hopefully we can see the Charmo we were once used too.
He was good in some games but others just did not bring it IMO solid year great in some games.

[worbsy]

I hope he starts to play as 2nd ruckman when Berger gets back. Time for a transition in the ruck.

[the_champ33]

I read on The Courier Mail website yesterday that a few clubs have made enquiries about Charmo for trade week.

However Charmo ignored a Richmond offer 1-2 seasons ago and signed a 4 yr deal with the Lions. They also said Charmo's Mrs re-located to Qld to be closer to him and more together.

We'd be stupid to trade him. 2008 is a season to forget from him, but I think he'll be back better in 2009.

Your thoughts?

[worbsy]

He'll stay in Brisbane for sure. If he tried to move, Browny would crush him (though Charmo can hold his own in a fight, no doubt). Plus he has that beauty/spa business...

[b_lions16]

He sold the Day Spa a year ago Worbs. He got sick of it and said he wanted to use the place Shermo got his tan from. I brang my laptop and now sitting next to Browny. Drinking hasn't started yet.

[lion4life]

he currently has a 12 month lease which he cant get out of. although if we get maybe 1st rounder for him and then use a later round to get seaby from wc who wants out we replace our ruckman and we will have tippett, leuenberger and seaby on the list then. Remember charman will fetch a good price as he has a good 5-6 years left and he was ruckman for the dreamteam.

[b_lions16]

Charmo has a strong build and is the big angry man which is a advantage for bounce-ups and rucking contests. If Vossy decides that Charmo has to go then it better be for a quality ruckman like big Sandy at Freo. Hooper is going for a crumbing forward as well.

[lions_girl_4life]

Lets hope Vossy brings out the best in Charmo, atleast.

[worbsy]

Get Berger fit, and play him as out number 1 ruckman. Send Charmo to play up forward more unless we are playing against someone like Cox or Sandy. Charmo is a strong mark and a great kick, so he can kick goals.

[lions_girl_4life]

Good idea worbsy. Now I think about that it would work out very nicely.

[b_lions16]

Get Berger fit, and play him as out number 1 ruckman. Send Charmo to play up forward more unless we are playing against someone like Cox or Sandy. Charmo is a strong mark and a great kick, so he can kick goals.

Charmo in the forward line would be a ripper. He is a big man as I have said and many players in the AFL are rather intimidated by him. Throwing him into the forward line would be great. He could end up kicking a couple of goals for us a game as a result of strong marking and one-on-one contests. The only problem is that Charmo ain't that fast at running and not very good at ground level.

[worbsy]

His speed wouldn't be a problem, because of his size. He'd be there to take pack marks, and then we'd sit guys like Proud under him to crumb. Only issue I see would be where to put him so that he wouldn't get in the way of Brown and Bradshaw.

[the_champ33]

Charmo's kicking would beed to improve if he played as a tall forward more often. I always get concerned when he kicks for goal.

Sometimes he nails them nicely and other times a spray off the side of the boot.

[worbsy]

I always thought he was a really good kick for goal...

[worbsy]

He kicked 11.4 this year, 10.4 last year. Over 70%, thats not bad at all.

But before that he was pretty inaccurate. 12.9

[b_lions16]

he used to spray them everyone. Charmo is pretty prone to giving away unnecessary free kicks as well.

[the_champ33]

He has sold his beauty shop '19'

[b_lions16]

He has sold his beauty shop '19'

He sold that ages ago...thought he was too Charm'ing for that...lol :D

[the_champ33]

Well I was only aware last night and was only going to visit the shop because of him.

[worbsy]

We got SMASHED 61 to 12 in the hitouts, we need Berger and him next week. David Hille is way too good to play Tyler/Clark/Brennan against.

[Jedstheman]

Charmo said last nite that burger will be back before him so lets hope next week he is back cause we will need him.

[lions_girl_4life]

Totally agree. We need Le Berger.

[worbsy]

Charmo said last nite that burger will be back before him so lets hope next week he is back cause we will need him.

OMG, Jedda is the new Scotty! Way to steal my post ;)

lol

[b_lions16]

HAVING received his wake-up call, Jamie Charman is poised to prove he's still Brisbane's premier ruckman in the Lions' Friday night blockbuster against Collingwood at the Gabba. That's the opinion of Lions vice-captain Simon Black, who yesterday said a "pumped-up" Charman would make the most of the selection recall handed to him on a platter after the long-term knee injury that has grounded young gun Matthew Leuenberger (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25332979-5016169,00.html).

The 204cm giant will miss three months of football after having surgery on the lateral meniscus he damaged in Brisbane's 33-point weekend disposal of Sydney (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25322402-5016181,00.html).

It's shattering news for 20-year-old Leuenberger who under rookie Lions coach Michael Voss had established himself as the club's first-choice ruckman.
Charman has been out of favour with Voss, with the 2003 premiership player's name having been floated during last year's trade period.

The 26-year-old failed to fire for the majority of 2008 and was restricted by knee problems during the pre-season.

He gained a late selection reprieve for the Lions' round 1 win over West Coast but was axed after his side's loss to Carlton a week later.

An embarrassed Charman has placed a media ban on himself this week, with his focus being on redemption against the Magpies.

Black said the Northern Eagles product had "something to prove" against Brisbane's long-time rivals.

"Charmo will be keen to really impress and I'm sure he will," Brisbane's brilliant onballer said.

"He's keen to get out there and show his ability. He'll be pumped up after missing last week. When he crosses the white line he's very competitive, and that's why he's a good player."

Collingwood will go into the contest without skipper Nick Maxwell and defender Heath Shaw.

Maxwell accepted a two-match ban after being charged with rough conduct against Geelong's Steve Johnson in the Magpies' 27-point loss to the Cats last Thursday.

Shaw was last night suspended for one game and fined $1950 after pleading guilty to making intentional contact with umpire Michael Vozzo in the same match. http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25335299-5016169,00.html

[worbsy]

He'd better step up and perform. He used to be a very good player!

[b_lions16]

He used to be....lol
He's been pretty flat, gave away 6 last week in the Reserves...that's pretty good considering his average a game which is over 5.

[worbsy]

lol, angry bastard. It'd be okay if he actually contributed!

[lions_girl_4life]

BossVoss has to sit him down and give him an old fashioned ear bashing sooner or later.

[Jedstheman]

The Big man did his job played solid untill the injury................ And most importantly no silly free kicks hope he is back soon

[b_lions16]

The ankle has ruled him out for 1-2 weeks.
We have to rush him in cuz he's our sole genuine ruckman and all our other younger rucks are injured in which one is rookie-listed. ;)
We can use Mitch Clark next week, but not for a long-term replacement. :)

[worbsy]

It will be a Clark/Brennan/Merrett combo I spose, which is makeshift to say the least. Brennan will get buggered pretty quickly if he has to jump as high as he can at every contest coz of his lack of height.

[b_lions16]

At the last couple of matches at the Gabba I’ve been forced to watch from the sidelines – and let me tell you, it’s not much fun.

Firstly, I would obviously much rather be out there playing alongside the guys than lugging my big ankle boot around in the stands.

The other part that is really frustrating is actually watching the game live as a spectator.

All the Lions players have reserved seats allocated on the top level almost directly above the players’ race and all the guys who aren’t playing in the seniors sit up there with there families.

Don’t get me wrong, they are magnificent seats. You can see the entire field and even though you are on the top level, you still feel like you’re close to the action.

That’s the problem.

From that perspective up in the stands, the game seems so much easier than it does when you’re actually out there. You can easily spot players on their own, watch game-plans unfold and sometimes even predict the opposition’s next move.

I can assure you that’s not the case when you’re out on the field playing.

Being a spectator has certainly given me a real appreciation for how our members and supporters view us every week.

Some of the fans I was sitting near were screaming “kick it to him – he’s open” when a Lions player quite visibly (to us) found space on his own. To be honest, I was probably guilty of this at times as well.

But when you’re out on the field, all you see is a sea of football jumpers. Half of them are maroon, blue and gold and the other half are the opposition colours. It’s not as clear cut at ground level as it is from above.

Most of the injured players will tell you that watching from the stands gives you a sense of helplessness. Regardless of the result – you just can’t make a difference to the team by simply watching the game.

We are all pretty competitive blokes and I reckon that’s what hurts us even more.

I can only imagine how Vossy and the coaches cope each week watching the game from up in the coaches box.

While they can obviously send messages to players and make changes depending on how the side is going – they would undoubtedly sense that feeling of helplessness as well. In the end, it is ultimately up to the 22 guys on the field to get the job done.

Let’s hope for my own sanity that I can overcome this ankle injury soon so that I don’t have to endure too many more games from the sidelines.
http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/77304/default.aspx

[worbsy]

Hopefully his time watching will get him primed to be back out there and he'll actually be in good form for once... its been a couple of years.

[lions_girl_4life]

I love seeing how much the boys just wanna play.

[worbsy]

I think thats the reason all of these kids are getting a run at the moment. These young guys are going to be giving everything they have to stay in the seniors, and that puts pressure on guys like Stiller and Risky to perform, which is something that has been missing lately. Its a good thing.

[b_lions16]

The Split Round is a great initiative that I think the AFL could investigate even further.

The week off is particularly useful for the guys who have played the majority of the season so far. It allows them more time to spend with their wives, girlfriends, family and friends and simply take a short break away from what is a pretty demanding training schedule.

Most people probably wouldn’t know that the players spend at least six days – sometimes seven – at the Club each week during the season.

The guys usually get one full day off but spend the rest of the week either in the gym, at the physio, on the training track or in meetings not to mention the actual matches and recovery sessions.

I’m certainly not complaining, because it is still the greatest job in the world. But a short break can do wonders for the team both physically and mentally.

It gives our non-Queensland players a rare opportunity to travel interstate and spend time with their family and simply switch off from the pressures associated with playing footy each week.

It also provides extra time for guys to get over any niggling injuries they might have been carrying throughout the first half of the year.

Even for injured blokes like myself, it is always refreshing to get away from doing rehab at the footy Club and just enjoy some quality time with friends and family.

Don’t get me wrong, I would like nothing more than to play footy this weekend – particularly after missing the past eight matches with an ankle injury. But I’m probably still a few weeks away at this stage.

The break can also be a good thing for the AFL as it puts more of a focus on the handful of matches that are actually played on the weekend.

I know there are only three this weekend, but I’m sure the attendance figures and television ratings will be huge considering there isn’t the usual selection of games to watch.

For these reasons, I think the AFL should look at introducing two Split Rounds next season.

You could have one in Round 7 and another in Round 14 so they are spread evenly throughout the year. It should also include four games each weekend rather than five on one week and three during the other.

They could schedule marquee matches for the Split Rounds as well and make them annual blockbusters.

I don’t think too many players would reject the idea.

However, I guess the introduction of the new Gold Coast team in a couple of years will probably mean that the AFL will have to bring back the ‘bye’ which, in essence, will give teams that additional week off anyway.

But until then, the two Split Rounds concept is something that definitely should be considered. http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/78985/default.aspx

[dannigirl lionheart]

Yeah with the new team coming in, it would be something to look at

[lions_girl_4life]

I wouldn't complain - but two weeks without lions there would worry me...

[worbsy]

I like having just the one split round, but they should make it 4-4 games over the 2 weeks rather than 5-3.

[b_lions16]

BRISBANE Lions ruckman Jamie Charman will have a season-ending ankle reconstruction today. It is a major blow to the resurgent Lions' (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/club/0,26579,19746,00.html)finals hopes as it will leave Mitch Clark to carry the load.
Clark has been a revelation since assuming the mantle as the club's main big man in the absence of Charman and injured Matthew Leuenberger.
He has battled manfully for the opening 12 rounds, but the club is mindful of the wear and tear on his body.
Charman sprained his ankle in Round 4 against Collingwood (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/club/0,26579,19763,00.html). The joint has not responded well to his attempts to return to full training.
"I tried to run on Thursday and it just didn't pull up as we would have liked," he said.

"It's been eight weeks and I feel now I may have been delaying the inevitable, it is disappointing but at least this way it will be right for next season."
Charman had been originally pencilled in for a return after the split round and it was anticipated his frustration at being overtaken by both Clark and Leuenbeger during his absence may have sparked a ferocious second half of the season.
At his best his aggression is a major benefit to the Lions and his ability to work in tandem with Clark was expected to bolster Brisbane's drive to September. Charman lacks the mobility and finesse of Clark and Leuenberger, but he is a premiership player who still has plenty to offer.
Leuenberger, the club's first choice ruckman, is also unlikely to return this season after surgery to repair the lateral meniscus tendon in a knee.

Although the knee is mending well, the 20-year-old is battling to regain strength after being hit by a post-surgery staph infection that stripped 12kg off his frame and forced him to undergo a second operation.
Leuenberger has expressed his determination to return in the final weeks of this season, however club insiders remain sceptical.
The good news for Brisbane is that key defenders Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett and Josh Drummond are expected back for Saturday's clash with Melbourne at the Gabba.
Lachlan Henderson and Jason Roe performed admirably in the Lions' season defining victory over premier Hawthorn in the first week of the split round and coach Michael Voss hinted that both would be difficult to drop.
However, Patfull and Drummond were in All-Australian form before being injured, while Merrett has become one of the first chosen each week because his size, strength and pace off the mark make him the club's best option for taking on the competition's biggest forwards.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25668630-5016169,00.html

[Balony_pony16]

At first I thought that it could be a blessing in leaving Clark to ruck for us, but after reading the article I agree that it is damm unfortunate as we were to get a Charman back who would surely be hungry to return to the top rucking spot and bring some real agression & hunger to the side.

A damm shame...no ruckman for the finals?

[lions_girl_4life]

Wait. Am I missing something? Where did you get no ruckmen for finals?

[dannigirl lionheart]

I feel for Charmo. Not good news :(

[worbsy]

Wait. Am I missing something? Where did you get no ruckmen for finals?

Charman gone for the year. Berger most likely as well. All we have is Clark, and will his body hold up under the increased load? My guess is no, unfortunately.

On the plus side, can we promote a rookie now that Charmo is gone? Suggestions on who?

[b_lions16]

On the plus side, can we promote a rookie now that Charmo is gone? Suggestions on who?
Young Daniel Murray has the HEIGHT at 199cm and the bulk at 98kgs but he lacks experience and distinctive instinct in the air...and he lumbers...lol. :D
Bart McColloch will be up there if Mitch's body doesn't hold up right. But I think a guy like Brennan will have to carry the load...but he doesn't have the height but the vertical leap is good...but he'll get fucked jumping...lol. :D

[lions_girl_4life]

Do we know if Berger will be back?

[christicehurst]

Shame about Charman but not much u can do. No key rucks for the finals by the look of things

[b_lions16]

Do we know if Berger will be back?
IceBerg's knee is mending well...but he doesn't have the strengths to keep up with the rigours of AFL Footy. He's lost 11kgs and he is stripped up to a 24 hour anti-biotic drip and it kinda sucks the strengths outta ya so you are fatigued most of the time. ;)

[worbsy]

Do we know if Berger will be back?

Apparently Berger is hopeful, but insiders at the club are skeptical.

[Balony_pony16]

I doubt he will come back considering the massive amount of weight and game time he has lost...The risk of bringing him back early his great...remember that most ruckman at his age aren't even playing yet, so to expect him to make a successful return after his set backs is a big ask.

The last thing we need is for him to come back and injury himself and affect his 2010 season where he will start to have a bigger impact.

But I guess it will be a waiting game to see how he is when he returns from injury

[Kenyon]

even if he was fit enough he'd need 2-3 games at Sunnycoast, so forget the Burger for 2009. Mitch Clarke will probably win the Brownlow in any case.

[sweegs]

I suppose there's only one sure way to find out - field him.

s

[Kenyon]

Yeh, in the Sunnycoasters.

[lions_girl_4life]

So we are left with just Clarky as a real ruckman...

[b_lions16]

EXPERIENCED Brisbane Lions ruckman Jamie Charman believes there will still be a role for him under Michael Voss next year, despite another injury-affected season.

Charman, 27, played just three games before injuring his ankle in round four this year. He attempted to get back for two months before going in for a season-ending reconstruction last month.

Matthew Leuenberger has also been missing since round three with a knee injury which has thrust Mitch Clark into the main ruck position.

Charman's name was bandied about in trade week last year but he is contracted until the end of 2011.

And he believes there'll still be a job for him in 2010 despite being the club's oldest ruckman ahead of Clark, Leuenberger, Bart McCulloch, and rookies Daniel Murray and Joel Tippett.

"I've got no doubt in my mind that I can still be one of the better ruckmen in the league, and be up there to influence a game in the ruck," Charman told afl.com.au ahead of round 17.

"The only thing I can do with myself is worry about where I'm at and be concerned about where I am within the team.

"You can't help it if guys come on in leaps and bounds. It's healthy for a club to have good competition.

"Over the last couple of years, it's been a little bit of a battle for me with injuries, but in saying that, I haven't had a decent pre-season over the past couple of years either.

"If I can get a good pre-season under my belt, I'm sure that will help me throughout the season."

Charman said the development of the club's younger big men was a positive rather than something that could bring about his early demise as a player.

"There's always a lot of ruckmen that need to be on the list because they take so long to develop," he said.

"It creates good competition and it's healthy for the club because you wouldn't want to be an old ruckman holding down a position and not have any young guys coming through.

"Mitch has been going extremely well. He's been playing some really good footy. He's really stepped up and taken on a responsibility, which has been awesome.

"Bart has had a quad injury for the majority of the time he's been here, so the club has decided to rest him up and let him take a back seat so he gets his body right.

"Murray is a developing kid who's going okay. He suffered a few injuries early too, so there hasn't been too much playing for any of these guys.

"Joel has been injured as well and then he took a little bit of time to come on. He's only been playing the last seven or so weeks.

"He's coming along now and is playing some good footy in the reserves. It's just a matter of time before someone like him can get a bit of an opportunity."

Charman, who has also overcome a knee problem and a broken wrist this year, said his forced layoff offered the opportunity for him to overcome all his physical ailments.

"In a way, it's been good because it's given me a chance to give my body a good break, and get all the things that have been a problem over the last few years to get right," he said.

"I've got a bit of time off, and time to rest my body and get things fixed I haven't had a chance to between seasons.

"Now I can rest up in time for next year."
http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/81288/default.aspx

[lions_girl_4life]

I don't like him being so sure. I would rather him to have that little doubt because that would make him that much hungrier to get back up.

[b_lions16]

I watched with interest last week as the whole Karmichael Hunt defection from NRL to AFL panned out in the media.

It got me thinking about some of our boys and where they might have ended up had AFL not been their cup of tea…

My first thought was that the Lions could field a pretty handy basketball side.

Jed Adcock would be the starting shooting guard having had plenty of experience as a junior basketballer as a junior. He actually made a few representative teams growing up but left it behind at around 16 to focus more on his footy career.

While Jed would probably be the pick of the team’s smaller guys, Matthew Leuenberger and Joel Tippett would combine to make a pretty formidable frontcourt.

Basketball was a big part of Leuey’s sporting repertoire over in Western Australia before he joined the Lions while Joel - like his brother Kurt - was a gun junior basketballer in Queensland. The tippet brothers represented Queensland in basketball as juniors before being scouted by the local AFL Rookie Search program.

There are also a few players at the Club who could have traded in their footy boots for running spikes. Sure, most AFL players these days are great athletes, but we have a couple in particular that were of the highest quality.

Simon Black was a standout junior 800m and 1500m runner and competed several times at national level. He obviously went on to become one of the most decorated players in our game - so I’m sure there are no regrets there.

18 year-old Lions draftee Kieran King also gave up an Olympic dream to play AFL. He was a national athletics U16 and U17 champion who looked likely to one day make it on the world stage - particularly as a 400m runner. He was eventually swayed towards a career in the AFL and is currently put his pace to good use with the Lions Reserves side.

As for the rival Queensland code of Rugby League, I reckon we have a few boys who would slot nicely in the NRL. In fact, Craig Bellamy has already suggested that Jonathan Brown would make a good backrower.

Daniel Merrett had a preference for Rugby League as a kid and actually played as a schoolboy on the Gold Coast before focussing more on touch football and volleyball as he grew up. He was eventually sold on Aussie Rules after being asked by one of his mates to fill in for one game.

Big Rog has the strength and speed to play League, but he is much too valuable for us down at full-back.

Another guy who absolutely loves his Rugby League is Jared Brennan. He played a bit over in the Northern Territory is a huge fan of the Brisbane Broncos having worn ‘Alfie’ Langer’s number on his back as a kid.

Mitch Clark and James Polkinghorne could also have looked at an alternate sporting career in volleyball.

Mitch actually turned down an AIS volleyball scholarship to pursue his AFL career while Polks flirted with the idea of a volleyball career after making the U15 Victoria schoolboy side with St Bernard’s College in Victoria.

But probably the sport that most players at the Club are proficient in is cricket.

Browny is one that could well have been an Australian fast bowler had he decided to trade in the Sherrin. I remember watching him on The Footy Show a couple of years ago send a delivery down to Australian Captain Ricky Ponting and almost take his head off. The Australian cricket team could probably do with the big fella over in England at the moment.

Daniel Merrett is another one who was apparently a pretty mean fast bowler as a kid.

James Hawksley and Bradd Dalziell were both considered ‘lost’ to cricket when deciding to pursue their AFL careers while Justin Sherman was pretty handy with both bat and ball down in Tassie. Few people know this, but Shermo is actually a third cousin of Ponting and first cousin of former Australian wicket-keeper Richard Soule.

I know I’ve only named a few, but most of the boys at the Club can hold their own in at least another sport. Then you have those guys who are pretty much good at every sport they tried.

Take Scott Clouston for example. He was a gifted athlete down at Brisbane Grammar who was a gun at soccer, cricket, water polo and swimming. He can also roost the Sherrin a long way and could be a good NFL punter one day should he decide to go down that path.

But fortunately for both the Lions and the AFL, there is no danger of any of these guys switching sports.

I know there have been examples of players heading overseas to take a punt in the NFL - but generally that’s been at the end of their AFL careers.

I think it’s a real credit to the AFL that so many players have chosen to pursue the code ahead of other potential sporting interests. The AFL’s development programs and enhanced scouting techniques have also ensured that our game is finding the best possible talent from both around Australia and internationally.
http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/82142/default.aspx

[lions_girl_4life]

Nice article. Gave you a different look at things.

[b_lions16]

Jamie Charman: His season was ruined before it really began. Will be desperate to reclaim his standing as a senior player next season. Rating: 3

[worbsy]

How does he get a 3? He gave us NOTHING

[Jedstheman]

Charman looks to reclaim Lions' ruck mantle


http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20A-E/Charman_pat_Rd109_246b.jpg Jamie Charman celebrates the Brisbane Lions' win over West Coast in round one last year

By Michael Whiting 9:47 AM Thu 14 January, 2010




FIT AND rejuvenated, Brisbane Lions premiership ruckman Jamie Charman is looking forward to putting his injury-ravaged 2009 season behind him.
The 27-year-old was helped from the field against Collingwood in round four after badly spraining his ankle and, as his side moved towards its finals series since 2004, he underwent a reconstruction of the joint.
Not only has he recovered, but the 200cm, 105kg giant feels better than he has in a long time.
"It's my first pre-season in six years so I'm feeling good," he said.
"Things are flying. I've never started a pre-season and I did six or seven weeks before Christmas so it was good going into the break knowing I had a base.
"For most of last season I wasn't playing and I missed all the hype with Vossy's (coach Michael Voss) first year and the finals and everything so it has really motivated me and kept me hungry.
"It was hard being separated from the group, so this year it's been sensational."
Charman said that Voss' new-look coaching structure and training drills made it seem as though he was preparing for his first season again.
"I wasn't here for meetings and things like that (when I was injured), so it's like another start," he said.
Charman added that he would continue to pick up the pace as the Lions built into their NAB Cup clash with the Western Bulldogs on February 14.
He was unsure what Voss had planned for him but was hopeful of seeing some action over the pre-season to help blow the cobwebs out before round one.
Expect Charman to battle hard to resume in the ruck with the Lions now boasting a three-pronged attack.
Mitch Clark shone in the main role in 2009 and was shortlisted for the All-Australian team, while 2006 first-round draft pick Matthew Leuenberger has rediscovered fitness after a knee injury and illness ruined his season.
Full of praise for Clark's efforts last season, Charman said he was excited about the in-house competition.
"I'm all about training hard and putting myself up for selection," he said. "Whatever happens happens, but I'll be having a red hot crack.
"Mitch is a great player and he's had to overcome injuries so it was great he could show everyone what he could do.
"It's great for the club when there are three [ruckmen] up and running. It's rare that it happens at any club and I think it's awesome for the Lions.
"There'll be some good selection battles during the year in a lot of positions and it can only be good for the club to have those problems."
Jamie Charman averaged 38.67 points as a ruckman in last year’s Toyota AFL Dream Team.
Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network


That shit is Scary Charms first full PreSeason in 6 years Lock Mitch in at CHB Forward or Wing this season as I for one am amped to see the big fella back in full flight if he can get back to his 07/08 form and Burger stays fit our ruck combo's will be the envy of the league.

[b_lions16]

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,7300704,00.jpg
^ Jamie Charman @ Lions Training ^

[lions_girl_4life]

He is looking fitter and stronger than before... Geez, I don't know how they are gonna do our ruck combo

[Kenyon]

Me neither, but if it was up to me one of them would miss out. This is simply for team balance & the fact that when your on a good thing stick to it! Lets face it, Charmo is great, Berger is promising, but why move Clarke after he's made AA?

[Jedstheman]

Me neither, but if it was up to me one of them would miss out. This is simply for team balance & the fact that when your on a good thing stick to it! Lets face it, Charmo is great, Berger is promising, but why move Clarke after he's made AA?

Ken we didn't trade him I know but it is a slap in the face to Charmo to expect him to be playing with the likes of stormboy in the magoo's this year Clark will dominate another postion and play ruck when the match up suits him.

[Kenyon]

I think thats the way Voss will go, but if Clarke plays a key position, it's gotta be CHB where he's unproven. This also means McGuire misses out. Anyway, it's a high class problem!

[christicehurst]

Let's give Charman a chance. It's not fair to boot him out of the ruck when he was injured.

[Kenyon]

Yep, he deserves a chance, but team balance is paramount.

[christicehurst]

If Clark works out in defense it's going to be great to see us rebounding quicker and we could move Drummond around as a missile launcher to the goal sticks.

[Jedstheman]

If Clark works out in defense it's going to be great to see us rebounding quicker and we could move Drummond around as a missile launcher to the goal sticks.

Chris this will Happen Vossy has already said he will be ramping up the rotations players who are not KP will play as Mids and where there most suited for either forward or back or both hence why Sheldon was played Forward back and Mid last year it was to see where he was gunna play this year perhaps.

[b_lions16]

Clark @ CHB is not going to work now with Maguire there. Clark to play wing. Charman to play off the bench. Leuenberger to play as straight-up ruckman while doing the follow-up work too. Charman is not that versatile and all I see him doing is the tap work. He can't get around the ground as much as the above two can. He is a good mark so I he can push forward like Lade did in his prime but he needs to work on his set pieces and learn not to spray it.

[Jedstheman]

Joust for Lions' tall men

6th February 2010
http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2010/02/05/SCN_06-02-2010_BACK_PAGE_01_189338rxxxx_t325.jpg

TALL VERSUS SMALLS: Lions ruckman Jamie Charman races against a pack of nippers at Alexandra Headland yesterday.
Nicholas Falconer


JAMIE Charman cuts quite an imposing figure.
Little wonder then that Alexandra Head
land’s nippers were in awe of the 200cm ruckman when he hit the beach yesterday morning.
Charman is now hoping he can impress Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss just as much heading into the footy season.
Charman badly injured his ankle in round four last year and missed the remainder of the season.
His absence along with young ruckman Matthew Leuenberger’s ailing health paved the way for the emergence of Mitch Clark.
CLARK starred for the Lions as the team’s sole tall man and Charman admits he will need to be at the peak of his game to earn a place in the squad.
“Mitchy did a great job last year. It’s always going to be a challenge,” he said.
“But you know, three really fit, healthy ruckman is going to be good for this club. We can be susceptible to injuries, the big guys, so it’s going to be a good fight. It’s healthy.”
Charman played in Brisbane’s 2003 premiership win before sitting out the 2004 grand final loss to Port Adelaide through injury.
The 27-year-old said he had enjoyed one of his best pre-seasons since debuting in 2001.
“I finished my first pre-season in about six years, so that’s a bonus,” he said. “I obviously came off surgery early in the season and missed a fair bit of last year.
“I’m hoping to start in NAB Cup one at the start of the year. Things are looking really positive at the moment.”
Charman will get his first chance to impress Voss on Valentine’s Day against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra, where he will control the ruck with Leuenberger.
“Leuy and I trained together all of pre-season. He’s trained fantastic. His running ability is really good,” Charman said.
“He’ll probably start NAB Cup one with me and we’ll go out there and have a crack.
“They’re always going to pick two ruckman each week, I think, and the two ruckman will sort of stay in.”

[Jedstheman]

Nippers face tall order from Lion

Travis Meyn | 6th February 2010
http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2010/02/05/189338h_fct559x344x72x95_t325.jpg

Brisbane Lions Training with Nippers at Alexandra Headland beach. Photo: Nicholas Falconer

Brisbane Lions with Coast Nippers (http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/photos/galleries/brisbane-lions-coast-nippers/)


http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2010/02/05/189338p_ct145x90.jpg (http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/photos/galleries/brisbane-lions-coast-nippers/) http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2010/02/05/189338d_ct145x90.jpg (http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/photos/galleries/brisbane-lions-coast-nippers/) View Photo Gallery » (http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/photos/galleries/brisbane-lions-coast-nippers/)
JAMIE Charman’s job description requires him to smash and batter his body for the better of his team.
So when the opportunity came about for the two-metre tall ruckman to pick on some kids half his size, he jumped at the chance.
Charman and his Brisbane Lions teammates gave it their best against Alexandra Headland nippers yesterday morning while the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman series competitors scoped out the surf before this weekend’s rounds.
It was a clash of the titans as Lions skipper Jonathan Brown swapped stories with ironman legend Shannon Eckstein as breakfast TV show Sunrise did live crosses from the sand.
Even former Carlton bad boy Brendan Fevola mixed with the crowd and signed hats for budding lifesavers.
“We have these community camps every year so to be able to come back to the Coast is great for me,” Brisbane Lion and Sunshine Coast product Josh Drummond said.
“But I know all the other boys love it as well, we’re staying right on the beach and it’s a great spot to come up.”
The Lions wound up their two-day community camp with a coaching clinic at Fisherman’s Road last night while the country’s fittest surf lifesavers will contest rounds three and four of the series today and tomorrow.
Full coverage of the Lions’ Sunshine Coast visit and the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain series in Sport

[Hayley]

http://i49.tinypic.com/25taqg8.png

[b_lions16]

http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/clubs/lions/charman_profile-c.jpg
Name: Jamie Charman

Your earliest football memory is: The early morning starts on Saturday playing U7s at Sandgate Football Club

Best mark you have taken at any level of football: Against Richmond in 2008 - I marked it then kicked it straight back to the opposition

Best goal: 2003 against Collingwood at the Dome from the boundary

Where were you on the day you were drafted: At home with mum and dad - Leigh Matthews called

First person you called after you were drafted: My mate Mark

The hardest part of pre-season training: Tuck-jumps

Favourite training drill: Any drill of Lambo’s

The best decision you have made on the football field: Running to the boundary

If you could play another professional sport, it would be: Swimmer

Sports teams you support (non-AFL): Queensland Firebirds

Life motto: Enjoy the journey - not just the destination

What dish would you serve up if you were on MasterChef: Home-made pizzas

Where is the furthest you have been from home: Germany

What is the oldest item in your wardrobe that you still wear: Not much - I have a high turnover

Most environmentally conscious teammate: Definitely not Leuey

Teammate most likely to Google his own name: Brent Staker

Teammate most likely to go into politics after football: Luke Power - he’s too conservative

What rules you more - your heart or your head: Head

Do you prefer a planned event or an unplanned event: Unplanned

The last concert you went to: Beyonce

Your favourite cricketer: Warney

French fries or wedges: Wedges

Speedos or boardshorts: Speedos

What’s on your iPod: “All the Single Ladies”
http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/89836/default.aspx

[christicehurst]

The poor guy just can't get a break from injury. There was a problem in the Canberra match when I was watching. We will be watching this injury and see if it's serious one. There is still a month until the main season so he does have some time on his hands.

[Hayley]

I said that we should've gotten him traded last year. But no. Far out.

[b_lions16]

He played pretty well last week, won us a considerable amount of clearances too. Hopefully, it's not that bad, but from what I've heard, he's 'broken' something so it sounds serious.

[christicehurst]

I said that we should've gotten him traded last year. But no. Far out.

Still it's abit unfair to trade him when he's done well in the ruck and had a long term injury

[blackyismyboy]

Anyone know what the injury is yet?

[Hayley]

Still it's abit unfair to trade him when he's done well in the ruck and had a long term injury

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. If Clark was half the size he is he could do a better job than a fully fit Charman. The only reason he's still there is because we would've used him if Leuey or Mitch got injured. He's not out #1 OR #2 ruckman.

[b_lions16]

BRISBANE ruckman Jamie Charman is hoping positive scans on Monday can relieve him of the nightmare scenario of another season on the sidelines. Charman was assisted from the field in the 10th minute of the Lions' scratch match against Carlton at Visy Park yesterday after twisting his ankle while changing direction trying to take an uncontested mark.
It was only his second match in a comeback after almost a year on the sidelines and the sight of him on crutches post-match was a bitter end to a disappointing day for the Lions who were 13-point losers to Carlton.
At 28 and with a long injury history behind him, it would be an uphill battle to resurrect his career if the injury requires a reconstruction and another year out of the game.
Thankfully for Charman and the Lions, the initial reports are that it may not be as serious as it first appeared.
Lions coach Michael Voss was hanging on to hope he would have his most physical big man available at some point this season.
"We're not sure yet but our early indicators are that it might not be a major one," Voss said.
"We'll have to wait and see.
"But it is the other (knee) which is very fortunate, so we don't have to worry about that."
The 2003 premiership player managed only three games last season before injuring his ankle at the Gabba.
He required a reconstruction and did not play again.
His injury, compounded with a season-ending knee injury to ruck partner Matthew Leuenberger a week later, left the Lions without a recognised ruckman for the entire 2009 season.
In his absence Mitch Clark emerged to be one of the season's most dominant ruckmen.
Clark was also helped from the field in the third quarter yesterday, which sent a shiver of panic through the Lions' coaches' box.
But it was only a knock and he was able to return to action and finished the game as one of the Lions' better players.
Voss admitted post-match there was a sinking feeling among the coaching staff that history was about to repeat itself.
"That's why I don't talk about the ruckmen ever, especially because of our experience in the past," he said. http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,26779616-5016169,00.html

[LionsGalSA]

lets hope vossy & charmon are right and its not too serious

Ive seen worse injuries cause by less so im wating for the scans before jumping up and down with joy

[b_lions16]

Does anyone have the latest on this bloke?

[Jedstheman]

4 to 5 weeks not nearly as serious as first thought

[LionsGalSA]

4 to 5 weeks not nearly as serious as first thought
thats great news if you compare it to what it looked like :D

[b_lions16]

BRISBANE Lions have sent Jamie Charman to a leading surgeon as fears grow he may require a further major ankle operation that could wipe out another season. The Lions are clinging to hope the curse of the ruckmen that has dogged the club during the past 10 years has not struck again.
The best case scenario is that Charman will be out of action for a month, which means he will be unavailable for the March 27 round 1 clash with West Coast at the Gabba.
The original post-game prognosis last Friday was the injury was not too severe and scans yesterday appeared to support that view.
Lions coach Michael Voss confirmed he had been advised it was a four-week injury but he had decided to get a second opinion from surgeon Ben Foster today.
Dr Foster performed the reconstruction on Charman's other ankle early last year.
The Lions are taking a conservative approach with Charman, who has missed 44 games through injury in the past five years.
The premiership ruckman is coming off a horror 2009, managing to play in only three games before injuring his ankle. Charman was assisted from the field in the 10th minute of the Lions' scratch match against Carlton at Visy Park last Friday.
He twisted his ankle while changing direction as he attempted to take an uncontested mark.
If Dr Foster's examination today determines the injury is worse than first thought, it will be a bitter blow for Charman.
At 28 and with a long injury history behind him, another year on the sidelines would leave Charman with an uphill battle to resurrect his career.
He has already handed young guns Matthew Leuenberger and Mitch Clark first crack at establishing themselves as the club's first-choice ruck pairing.
Charman entered this season in a battle with Leuenberger to see who would partner Clark, who emerged last year as one of the competition's most dominant ruckmen.
Many clubs do not contract too many ruckmen for fear of having valuable salary cap space taken up by players who are not getting a senior game.
But the Lions know too well that ruckmen are vulnerable and always endeavour to have four on their list at all times.
Last year Charman, Leuenberger and youngster Bart McCulloch were all injured, leaving Clark to carry the load. http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,26791959-5016181,00.html

[LionsGalSA]

bummer :(

[Kenyon]

At least the selectors have an easy job - Clarke in the ruck, Berger on the bench & McGuire at CHB. Now Brennan wont have to pinch hit in the ruck.

[Jedstheman]

At least the selectors have an easy job - Clarke in the ruck, Berger on the bench & McGuire at CHB. Now Brennan wont have to pinch hit in the ruck.

Yeah Ken its kinda good as Moose can now slot in there it will no doubt move Plats to BP or HFF and will allow McGarth or Drummo to be released up the feild or into the middle.

[b_lions16]

Hey, bite me but I reckon it's the end of the road or Charmo. If this proves to be true and he is gunna miss another season, it means he's missed 70 odd games in like 5 years. And he is gettin' replaced by the likes of Leuenberger & Clark. Shoulda been traded in Trade Week last year. If he's gunna miss this season, he won't have any value at the end of the year.

[Jedstheman]

Hey, bite me but I reckon it's the end of the road or Charmo. If this proves to be true and he is gunna miss another season, it means he's missed 70 odd games in like 5 years. And he is gettin' replaced by the likes of Leuenberger & Clark. Shoulda been traded in Trade Week last year. If he's gunna miss this season, he won't have any value at the end of the year.

Dude I could write a novel on how our list manager fucked up this last offseason