Brendan Fevola

[Jedstheman]

Yeah big Rog must be glad not having to mark Fev for real anymore he has had his colours lowered more than once be him.

[Jedstheman]

http://www.brisbanelionsunited.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=290&stc=1&d=1265078648

[Jedstheman]

http://www.brisbanelionsunited.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=291&stc=1&d=1265078714

[Jedstheman]

Fevola eyes future life as a policeman
JIM MORTON

February 4, 2010 - 3:14PM
AAP
Brendan Fevola will wear the Brisbane Lions colours for the first time on Valentines Day, but has revealed he would love to be in blue again - as a policeman.
The former Carlton star on Thursday told grade six students at Cooroy State School on Queensland's Sunshine Coast of a long-time desire to work in the police force.
Attending the primary school as part of the Lions community camp, Fevola was king of the kids in a question-and-answer session with Brisbane teammates Josh Drummond, Sam Sheldon and Callum Bartlett.
The full-forward announced he would officially begin his second football career on February 14 when he lines up for his new club against the Western Bulldogs in the opening round of the NAB Cup in Canberra.
Once his AFL playing days end, Fevola will consider finishing a university course he started three years ago.
"Three years ago I actually studied for three months at Griffith University, here in Queensland, to be a policeman," he told students.
Asked later if he wanted to finish the course and enter the force, he said: "I actually do want to be a policeman."
But Fevola, who also revealed maths was one of his favourite subjects at school, would prefer to be in forensics like "Grissom from CSI", than walking a beat.
"I just don't want to do the patrol stuff ... but unfortunately you have to."
His alcohol-fuelled antics at last year's Brownlow Medal led to an end to his 11 seasons at the Blues, allowing the Lions to swoop at trade week.
Drummond said it had taken the 29-year-old little time to make his mark at Brisbane, rating him one of the leaders at the club along with skipper and fellow power forward Jonathan Brown, and his four vice-captains.
But it's still taking Fevola time to build his profile in rugby league-loving Queensland.
One student was struck by his likeness to another big, polarising footballer and asked: "Hey, do you know you look just like ... "
Before he could utter the name, Fevola said "Willie Mason. Yeah, I get that a bit up here.
"But Big Willie's is a bit bigger and a bit uglier than me," he said with a smile.

© 2010 AAP (http://news.smh.com.au/action/displayCopyrightNotice?sourceOrganisation=AAP)
Brought to you by http://resources.smh.com.au/core/2007-11/images/aaplogo.gif

[blackyismyboy]

Can you get into the police force if you have a record?

[Kenyon]

Abso-bloody-lutely.

[christicehurst]

Do you think the police are laughing at this?

[b_lions16]

Lol...what a fudging joke. :D
The Vic Police: Sex Offender, Alcoholic, vandalist :D

[b_lions16]

BRENDAN Fevola is convinced Brisbane is a genuine top-four side after reliving his worst football moment of 2009 - Carlton's nightmare finals loss to the Lions.

Fevola forced himself to watch a replay of the thrilling elimination final at the Gabba, his last match in Carlton colours, last night and was struck by Brisbane's under-rated midfield.
The Lions came from five goals down in the final quarter to beat the Blues 16.15 (111) to 15.14 (104) and end their season - two weeks before Fevola's alcohol-fuelled Brownlow Medal antics.
Fevola, to join Jonathan Brown in a lethal forward line, rated the Chris Judd-led Blues midfield as among the best in the league last year.
But the Lions' prize recruit felt the Gabba final showed Brisbane's on-ball brigade, with Simon Black and Luke Power in charge, measured up favourably.
"I was watching a game on TV last night, which was the final the Blues lost against us, that sounds a bit weird doesn't it?" said Fevola, who will make his debut against the Western Bulldogs in their February 14 NAB Cup opener in Canberra.
"Some of the foot skills the boys have got at Brisbane are really good and they do hit the inside 50s a lot.
"I think they were in the top three marks inside 50. I'm a lead-in player so the Powers, (Daniel) Rich, Black are great midfielders."
The Lions finished sixth in 2009 after being outclassed by the Bulldogs, who narrowly lost to premiers Geelong in the preliminary final, but Fevola's signing has coaching guru Kevin Sheedy talking them up as true premiership contenders.
The full-forward admitted the Lions had a "great opportunity" to win their first flag since 2003 in the next two seasons with Matt Maguire, Brent Staker, Amon Buchanan, Xavier Clarke and Andrew Raines also lured north by Michael Voss.
"Before I came to Brisbane, they were a pretty good team," he said.
"Hopefully I can add a bit of a different mix down there with Brownie and hopefully kick a few goals.
"Hopefully we'll finish top four. That's our expectation and if you finish top four, you've got every chance to win a premiership.
"I think Vossy was playing SuperCoach (http://supercoach.heraldsun.com.au/) in the pre-season - I don't think he's got any trades left. He's traded really well."
Fevola's early influence and enthusiasm at Brisbane has been praised by his coaches and teammates, with rebounding defender Josh Drummond rating him a club leader already after three months of pre-season training.
The Lions originally faced a backlash from members when Gabba favourite Daniel Bradshaw was put up for trade bait but Fevola has been assured his signing has boosted numbers.
"I checked with the membership department and I think they sold more memberships before Christmas than they did the previous year."
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,26677534-5016169,00.html

[b_lions16]

BRENDAN Fevola believes arrogant Victorians under-rate the Brisbane Lions, and claims his new side can win this year's premiership.

Supercoach Kevin Sheedy has already suggested the Lions hit paydirt when Fevola was booted out of Carlton, and says his arrival at the Gabba made Michael Voss's men the team to beat.
But the former Blue insists he is just one component of a side that has been building steadily towards a premiership and had set a goal of finishing in the top four in 2010.
"Brisbane finished sixth last year, before I came to the Lions they were a pretty good team," he said.
"Hopefully I can add a little bit of a different mix in the forward line there with Brownie (Jonathan Brown) and kick a few goals.
"Hopefully we will finish top four, that is our expectation, to finish top four and if we achieve that we have every chance to win a premiership."
Fevola said even though the Lions had won a final last season against his old club Carlton, they could still slip under the radar of the Victorian clubs who often were ignorant of what was happening outside Melbourne.
"We're under-rated in Victoria, I think most interstate teams are under-rated in Victoria," he said. "I don't think Victorians worry to much about the other states.
"Hopefully the interstate teams can give a good shake-up to the Victorians and hopefully we are the ones that do that."
The Lions were the main players in last season's trade period, recruiting six senior players in the biggest poaching raid in modern times.
Joining Fevola at Brisbane were Swans premiership player Amon Buchanan, Eagles utility Brent Staker, former Saints Xavier Clarke and Matt Maguire, and Queenslander Andrew Raines, who returns home after starting his career at Richmond.
Fevola concedes the addition of the recruits to a side that was already on the fringe of being a top-four side meant expectations had to be raised this season, and says no one at the club was shying away from that.
"I think we have got a great group," he said.
"Vossie has traded really well, a lot of recruits who have really added to the side.
"For a team that finished sixth to get five or six senior players, it gives us a really good chance.
"We have a great opportunity."
Fevola arrived in a storm of publicity after being sacked from Carlton. Some Lions fans were concerned about his reputation as a wild child, while others were upset that dual premiership player Daniel Bradshaw was offered for trade to secure him.
The Coleman medallist says he wants to win the respect of any disgruntled Lions fans, but believes the backlash may not have been that great.
"I spoke to the membership department and they said they had sold a few more memberships before Christmas than what was usual," he said.
"I'm just going to go out there and do what I do on the footy field, and that is kick goals, do a lot of chasing and tackling, the team things I did at Carlton. and hopefully be the best player I can be for the club.
"If that gets us to a grand final I would be pretty happy." http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,26677842-5016181,00.html

[b_lions16]

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,7552552,00.jpg
^ Brendan Fevola @ Lions Training ^

[b_lions16]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26678102-23211,00.html
- Brisbane recruit Brendan Fevola says he will play in the Lions first NAB Cup clash against the Bulldogs. The power forward has only been at the club for a couple months, but he's already making big statements. (VIDEO)

[b_lions16]

http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2009/11/11/SCN_12-11-2009_EGN_03_fevola_egnnov12.IMG_t325.jpg
^ Fev @ Training on the Coast ^

[b_lions16]

http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2010/02/04/SCN_05-02-2010_SPORT_04_5a24.IMG0_t325.jpg

Brendan Fevola was Carlton’s golden god – the man who with captain Chris Judd and a host of promising young players would lead the club to a premiership.
But it was not to be as Fevola was sensationally traded to Brisbane following his drunken antics at last year’s Brownlow Medal night.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure though and Fevola is seeing the brighter side of life after spending the past few months in the Sunshine State.
“When I rolled up (at Brisbane) I was a little bit fatter in the face with the off-season. I’ve trimmed down a little bit and with the team I get along really well with all of the boys and the coaching staff,” he said yesterday.
“They’re just a really good club and they’ve been very welcoming for me and my family.
“We’re rapt to be up here and hopefully we can have a really good year.
“We start next week, so I just can’t wait to get out there and wear the Brisbane jumper.”
The sight of Fevola in a Brisbane jersey could never have been anticipated by Carlton fans last season, but the prospect of seeing the sport’s most damaging forward in a Lions strip is just nine sleeps away.
“I always thought when I played at Carlton what it’d be like to leave and go to another club and how weird it would be,” Fevola said.
“It hasn’t been weird at all.
“I’ve known a few boys anyway and just gone in there and they’re all really close mates. In an interstate team, you need that because you get blokes coming from all around Australia and everyone uses each other as a family. I like that in a group.”
Fevola could not be any further from Lygon Street and he says he would not have it any other way.
And he believes the Lions have a very real shot of featuring on the last weekend of September.
“I’m just going to go out there and do what I do on the footy field,” he said.
“Hopefully, kick some goals and do a lot of chasing, tackling and the team things.
“Just do what I did at Carlton and hopefully be the best player I can be at the club.
“If that gets us to a grand final, I’d be pretty happy.
“They finished sixth last year, only two spots off. If you get in the top four, who knows?”
With nearly 600 goals to his name in a career that is entering its 12th year, Fevola knows the worst thing rival clubs could do is underestimate his team’s ability.
“I think most interstate teams are underrated in Victoria,” he said.
“I don’t think the Victorians worry too much about them. Hopefully, the interstate teams can give a good shake-up to the Victorians, and we can do that.” http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2010/02/05/content-fevola-finds-a-family-at-brisbane/

[b_lions16]

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs133.snc3/18054_1302640760134_1053912123_30904303_8309818_n. jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30761631&id=1053912123)
^ Fev in a Lions Guernsey ^

[b_lions16]

SOME clubs want to win the AFL's NAB Cup pre-season competition, others are not so focussed.

Carlton have their own unique task - using the competition to work on a completely-new attack.

The sudden departure of full-forward Brendan Fevola in the wake of last September's Brownlow Medal controversy meant the Blues have had to recast their forward lines.

Fevola had been the Blues' top goalkicker for the last seven seasons.

Asked who looms as Carlton's new "Fev", tall utility Jarrad Waite replied on Monday: "we don't have one.

"(That) is really exciting because for the last 10 years that Brendan's been there, we've had one forward.

"All clubs used to know to drop off `Fev', now we have a very potent forward line with (Brad) Fisher, we'll chuck (Matthew) Kreuzer down there, (Simon) Wiggins.

"We don't really want someone who's going to kick 80 goals, we want about four or five who are going to kick 30-35 ... and make it hard for oppositions to defend (against) us."

Waite wants to keep playing his normal role of switching between defence and attack, but knows he will probably spend more time up forward as the Blues build new avenues to goal.

He hopes to be ready for the start of the regular season after recovering from the knee injury that put him out of action last year from round nine.

"I've been given the all-clear to train (fully), hopefully I will full-train for two or three weeks and then sneak in towards the end of the NAB Challenge to have a few games.

"Then, hopefully, I should be right for round one or two."

Waite said the club's pre-season had not suffered in the wake of the notorious pre-Christmas booze cruise.

Eddie Betts, Andrew Walker and Ryan Houlihan all received club suspensions for their misbehaviour following the player function.

"Hopefully we know the rules now and if any of our boys play up, it's pretty-much you're out the door, basically," he said.

"It's a good thing to have and it's definitely not going to happen again."
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,26695231-5016181,00.html

[Maxie555]

Good luck Fev.:D

[b_lions16]

http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/clubs/lions/fevola_mark-c.jpg
^ Fev @ Lions Training ^

[Hayley]

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs133.snc3/18054_1302640760134_1053912123_30904303_8309818_n. jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30761631&id=1053912123)
^ Fev in a Lions Guernsey ^

Hey Scotty where do you find all the photos of the boys in the new jumpers? I know they have pictures of them for the questionnaire thing but you have different ones haha

[b_lions16]

Hey Scotty where do you find all the photos of the boys in the new jumpers? I know they have pictures of them for the questionnaire thing but you have different ones haha
LOL...I have no idea where I found that one...I think some newspaper.
...basically, when you have so much time to do random shit like I do, you tend to discover these things...aha. :D

[b_lions16]

CARLTON held its first serious hit-out of the year at Visy Park on Friday, with the intra-club practice match providing a glimpse of things to come for the post-Fevola era Blues.

All four ruckmen played and looked in excellent condition, with Shaun Hampson and Matthew Kreuzer spending some time up forward with Robert Warnock and Sam Jacobs predominantly on the ball.

Setanta O'hAilpin, Lachie Henderson and eye-catching rookie Levi Casboult completed the tall options with the hit-out giving the Blues' coaching staff plenty of food for thought.

"We came under a little bit of criticism for not recruiting some talls [recently] but you saw today that our stocks of talls, both around the ball in the ruck and up forward, are well and truly replenished," assistant coach Mark Riley said after the match.

"We haven't finalised what we're going to play in the front half and I think one of the beauties of that is that we'll be quite unpredictable.

"We went long a couple of times … which is hasn't been akin to how we've played before.

"Our entries into the forward 50 won't just be hitting up a lead all the time. "

Warnock's form will be particularly pleasing for the Blues' faithful who didn't get to see the prized recruit in action all last season.

He provided some deft tap work and went in hard with one crunching mark running back with the flight drawing applause from the approximately 2000-strong crowd.

Casboult's form in attack also drew plenty of praise in the stands with some impressive grabs a feature.

"He came to us with very reduced fitness levels and the kid's already dropped 10 [kilograms]," Riley said.

"But it was exciting how he squeezed the air out of the first couple coming out of the box. He's a big, powerful kid."

Forgotten forward Brad Fisher also showed he's not done yet with a lively performance thrusting him into forward calculations.

Skipper Chris Judd was saw plenty of the ball as did Bryce Gibbs, Mitch Robinson, Shaun Grigg and Andrew Carrazzo.

Robinson provided the highlight of the day when he rose high over O'hAilpin to take a superb mark with his overall performance suggesting bigger things to come in his second AFL season

Most importantly, Riley reported no injuries from the at times willing encounter.

As for the higher-profile absentees, Kade Simpson and Simon Wiggins joined Marc Murphy and Jarrad Waite - who are returning from longer-term injuries - on the sidelines.

Andrew Walker, Eddie Betts and Ryan Houlihan all looked in excellent nick with Riley confident they will be capable of playing in the first round of the premiership season, despite a NAB Cup ban due to their pre-Christmas indiscretions.

Carlton's latest first-round draft pick Kane Lucas showed glimpses of class playing off a wing with Riley delighted with the pre-season the youngster has been able to put in.

Robbie Warnock is a $101,800 ruckman in this year’s Toyota AFL Dream Team (http://dreamteam.afl.com.au/).
Levi Casboult is a $77,800 forward.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/89495/default.aspx

[christicehurst]

This has nothing to do with Fev lol

[b_lions16]

This has nothing to do with Fev lol
Title has Fev in it and Carlton are still licking their wounds about Fev. S'got something to do with Fev in my books. :D

[christicehurst]

After Sunday they're been wishing he would come back

[Hayley]

http://i46.tinypic.com/34e7255.png

[Hayley]

Discarded Carlton forward Brendan Fevola has been a standout for Brisbane during the Lions' pre-season and is set to give the side a dynamic offence, according to teammates.

Fevola, traded to the Lions after a number of indiscretions with the Blues, has re-invented himself as a hard-working and inspirational member of the side, star midfielder Justin Sherman said.

Sherman said Brisbane had moved to a new level in the pre-season, a standard which will undergo its first test in Sunday's NAB Cup opener against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra.

"Fev's been brilliant," Sherman said. "He's added a lot of energy to the group.

"He's a very enthusiastic sort of bubbly person so he definitely brings a nice bubbly culture to the club.

"He's fitted right in, he's been training really hard. Talking to him personally, he said it's the most running and stuff he's ever done," Sherman said.

"Fev has kicked 80 goals and if he can improve and be super-fit this year I think he can kick a few more.

"There's no doubt he's really at the top of his game at the moment and we're really looking forward to getting some match practice into him on Sunday," he said.

Sherman rejected the notion that the Lions' forward line would be too heavily weighted with year with Fevola joining giant forward Jonathan Brown in the attack.

"Obviously we want to get the ball into those guys as much as we can but we also want to stick to our game plan.

"As part of that Browny plays a natural centre half-forward role and pushes up the ground with his great endurance where Fev has the full-forward role so I don't think there's too much confusion there at all.

"They both play different positions and they've both been working really well at training on their leading patterns so when Browny comes back, maybe for the last NAB Cup game, you'll definitely see two guys on the same page," Sherman said.

The Bulldogs will go into the match without star recruit Barry Hall and a string of injured players, including skipper Brad Johnson (achilles), Jason Akermanis and Nathan Eagleton (knee) and Will Minson (foot).

But spearhead Robert Murphy and Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney are now free of knee problems and are set to play.

Brisbane recruit Xavier Clarke remains sidelined with the serious knee injury he suffered last year while Brown, Simon Black and Luke Power have been left out.

source (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/afl/6798947/lions-says-fev-working-harder-than-ever/)

[lions_girl_4life]

I can't wait till tomorrow! I don't think I'll be able to watch it because I'll be in the car on the way to Charleville but I love my phone getting free updates

[Hayley]

http://images.slatterymedia.com/images/thumbs/450/198636.jpg

[lions_girl_4life]

How did he play? I know he kicked the first goal

[christicehurst]

http://www.brisbanelionsunited.com/fev.jpg

Fev gets a snap with a BLU Legend :)

[Hayley]

The Lions could next play a practice match against the Blues, as they face the loser of Saturday night's Sydney Swans-Carlton clash at Blacktown.

But Fevola said if that was the case, he would skip the match as he wanted his first encounter with the club that ousted him to be their Gabba meeting in round two of the regular season.

Fair enough.

[christicehurst]

Fair enough.

Yeah, the AFL would prefer that.

[Hayley]

Hopefully we get Browny back so we at least have one tall forward if we lose Fev.

[christicehurst]

Hopefully we get Browny back so we at least have one tall forward if we lose Fev.

Come on now you just want Browny back all to yourself :)

[Andyt30]

Hopefully we get Browny back so we at least have one tall forward if we lose Fev.

will they rest fev til rd 2 then or take the risk and play him rd 1
nothing worse then getting injured before rd 2 then he would have to wait til later

[Hayley]

will they rest fev til rd 2 then or take the risk and play him rd 1
nothing worse then getting injured before rd 2 then he would have to wait til later

He'll play round 1. No doubt about that. Vossy will want a full strength side to take on West Coast who are in excellent form.

[b_lions16]

FORMER Brisbane Lions premiership star Jason Akermanis has questioned whether the Lions’ new power forward combination of Jonathan Brown and Brendan Fevola can match the success of Brown and the departed Daniel Bradshaw.

Brown and Bradshaw, who became a Sydney Swan in the off-season, combined for 143 goals in 2009 and 145 in 2008.

Fevola has booted 188 goals in his past two seasons with Carlton, but Akermanis said there was a slight risk the two dominant figures could get in each other’s way when working alongside each other in 2010.

“Bradshaw was a great sort of swingman for ‘Browny’ and ‘Browny’ was happy to play the lead role,” Akermanis told Bigpond Sports Weekend on Sunday.

“What will happen if two guys are playing the lead role? ‘Hang on man, this is my show’. I know they are both very dominant guys, so they’re both going to want their piece of the pie.

“If they get in each other’s way it is a bad thing, but with the team structures, I’m sure there’ll be enough space for both of them. I feel sorry for the smaller forwards… it’ll be hard to play in that forward line.”

While the Lions welcomed Fevola in the biggest trade deal of the off-season, the Western Bulldogs snared former Swan Barry Hall to complete the power forward merry-go-round.

Akermanis said after working with a small forward line at Whitten Oval, he was looking forward to having a dominant forward presence in the Bulldogs’ attack.

“I’m looking forward to kicking to a big forward again,” he said. “I had to change my game a lot to come down here with a lot of short passes to the little guys. Now I can just kind of put it into an area. I’m hanging out, just like a lot of our supporters.

“He’s looking strong and big. He’s already broken all of our bench press and bench pull records, so you can see the guy is incredibly strong.”

Rodney Eade’s men narrowly missed out on a grand final berth last season, falling seven points shy of St Kilda in a preliminary final, and Akermanis said the Bulldogs would need an even improvement across their list to go one step further in 2010.

“I think it needs to be a whole bunch of blokes, including myself, that just go up a little bit,” he said.

“From my point of view, second halves are where we’ll come into our own.

“You can stay with us to half time, but after that, that’s when you’re going to see the three to four months of conditioning that we’ve done.”

Jason Akermanis is a $413,200 forward in this year’s Toyota AFL Dream Team (http://dreamteam.afl.com.au/).
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/89528/default.aspx

[b_lions16]

Oh, and did anyone see his second and third efforts and that tackle in the forward fifty?! Best defensive pressure of all the big men forward, IMO. ;)

[b_lions16]

GRAEME Allan yesterday delivered the shock announcement he was joining Western Sydney to run football operations at the AFL's newest club.
"Gubby" Allan last year pulled off the biggest recruiting coup since trade week was formalised when he lured Brendan Fevola, Swans premiership player Amon Buchanan and experienced campaigners Matt Maguire, Andrew Raines and Brent Staker to the Gabba.
The AFL were desperate to get Allan to Western Sydney and he accepted, telling The Courier-Mail last night he believed he had left the club in a strong position.
"The place is in good hands, it is time for a new challenge," he said.
Fevola's recruitment was Allan's crowning achievement even though the former Blues' first game as a Lion was played in conditions that would sour the mood of the most jovial full forward.
Lions coach Michael Voss revealed Fevola was "filthy" that the weather would deny him the chance to start his career at Brisbane with a bag but by the end of the game at Manuka Oval the star full forward was able to crack a few gags.
"I was rapt," Fevola joked of the conditions. "Obviously it wasn't the best conditions, but you just have to get out there and play. Now you know how the old boys felt in the '80s playing on fields like this."
Brisbane were bundled out of the NAB Cup when the Western Bulldogs capitalised on a free kick from a Lions interchange blunder by booting a nine-point goal to win by eight points.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,26723438-5016181,00.html

[b_lions16]

THE first thing Brendan Fevola did yesterday when he got up was text Jonathan Brown.
It wasn't because he was nervous about making his debut for the Brisbane Lions, he just wanted to give his skipper a weather update.
"I texted Browny because his missus is from Canberra," Fevola said.
"I said, `Great place, Canberra. Three days of rain, it's raining cats and dogs and the ground is two feet under water'.
"And then when we got here, it was. It was like going down a slide at Wet'n'Wild out there."
It certainly wasn't how Fevola had imagined his much-anticipated new career as a Lion beginning.
But he still managed to produce an early highlight, kicking the first goal of the eight-point loss to the Western Bulldogs after three minutes.
He didn't have many more opportunities after that, with a couple of All-Australians, Dale Morris and Brian Lake, not giving him an inch in conditions at Manuka Oval that were laughable at times.
In the end Fevola's debut amounted to five kicks, three marks and one goal.
"It obviously wasn't the best conditions but you still have to get out there and play," he said.
"Now you know how the old boys felt in the `80s and `70s playing on fields like this. I'm used to the Telstra Dome with the roof over the top.
"But it was good just to play a game. You go through the whole summer training and you just want to have a good hitout.
"We played pretty well and probably should have won that game. In the end a couple of interchange things cost us. They kicked a nine-pointer and they won by eight points.
"There were no nerves, it's a NAB Cup game. There might be nerves come Round 1 but not for this game. This was about just getting out there and see how you go.
"I kicked the first goal, which was good, and it was slipping and sliding after that, which was a bit of fun."
The goal came courtesy of a chip over the top from another new Lion, Brent Staker, with Fev, who has kicked the second-most goals in pre-season competition history, taking the chest mark and easily slotting the goal from 15m out.
His second kick for the day was a touched ball that went out on the full and then early in the second quarter he beat Morris on the lead to take a chest mark wide out on the forward flank.
This time he shanked the kick. It landed just inside the boundary line in the opposite pocket.
And that was about it, although he ended up playing almost all of the game after a mix-up on the bench in the final quarter.
"Vossy (coach Michael Voss) said, `You are done', so I came off and then when I sat down they said, `You are back on', Fevola said.
"They got the times mixed up a bit as I was ready to shut it down.
"You can't take too much out of that game. I just said to `Tigger' (Travis) Johnstone that if people were watching that at home, they would be thinking that is the worst game in the world.
"There were a lot of clangers, it was very wet and the Bulldogs are a very skilled side. It was just so hard out there. The ball felt like it was 100 kilos to kick.
"It would have been nice to play on a dry deck, as you can't take much out of that game. It was all about getting the ks in the legs."
The Lions' loss means they go on the practice-match circuit and face a clash with Carlton in a fortnight should the Blues lose to Sydney in their first-round NAB Cup on Saturday.
But the former Carlton bad boy has already ruled himself out of that match, preferring to keep his powder dry for when his old team travels to the Gabba in Round 2.
"If the Blues get beat by Sydney, we play the Blues, so I might have to skip that one and go for the Gabba," Fevola said with a smile.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,26724173-5016181,00.html

[Hayley]

The conditions just weren't suited for tall forwards. And the fact that he was double teamed didn't help.

I was pleased with his second efforts. I've seen some highlights and it was more of a game for the small mids getting in and under.

[Andyt30]

I Read in an article how Fev over heard a young boy saying he had no money to buy merchandise and Fev came over and asked him what would he liked and He bought him a Jumper now how generous is that Fev Loves kids i thought that was a nice thing to do :)

[blackyismyboy]

I read that article too! In The Courier Mail, I think. Definitely improved my opinion of Fev off the field.

[christicehurst]

I Read in an article how Fev over heard a young boy saying he had no money to buy merchandise and Fev came over and asked him what would he liked and He bought him a Jumper now how generous is that Fev Loves kids i thought that was a nice thing to do :)

He was quite nice to me when I met him in Canberra.

[Hayley]

http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/clubs/lions/fevola_profile-c.jpg
Name: Brendan Fevola

Your earliest football memory is: The U9s lightning premiership win with Narre Warren

Best mark you have taken at any level of football: In U10s. It was the last time I jumped off the ground

Best goal: Set shot against Adelaide at Football Park in 2008

Where were you on the day you were drafted: At the Draft

First person you called after you were drafted: No one

The hardest part of pre-season training: Running

Favourite training drill: The warm down

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

Sports teams you support (non-AFL): Melbourne Storm

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you: My favourite TV show is Home and Away and I have a big chin

What dish would you serve up if you were on MasterChef: Roast quail dashed with a hint of lime and herbs with seasoned roast potatoes

Where is the furthest you have been from home: Norway

What is the oldest item in your wardrobe that you still wear: Footy trip shirts

Most environmentally conscious teammate: Tom Rockliff

Teammate most likely to Google his own name: Troy Selwood

Teammate most likely to go into politics after football: Daniel Merrett

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

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

The last concert you went to: Coldplay

Your favourite cricketer: Warney

French fries or wedges: Wedges

Speedos or boardshorts: Boardies

What’s on your iPod: Kelly Underwood

[Hayley]

CARLTON doesn't expect him to turn up ... but the fast-food operators will pack extra supplies if his name does appear on the opposition team sheet this week.

It's too early to know whether Brendan Fevola will return to his former football home in a Brisbane Lions jumper for Friday afternoon's practice match.

But Fev back at Visy Park would more than double the crowd as fans grab the chance to hail or hoot the controversial Coleman medallist.

Fevola dismissed the prospect of playing in the practice match after the Lions' loss to the Western Bulldogs in the NAB Cup first round in Canberra a week ago.

"If the Blues get beaten by Sydney, we play the Blues. So I might have to skip that one. I might wait for Round 2 at the Gabba," he said.

It was delivered with tongue firmly in Fevola's cheek, according to those who witnessed his reply to the obvious question in the short after-match interview at Manuka Oval.

Lions coach Michael Voss will have the final say on whether his new goalkicker is sent "home".

Fevola will travel with his teammates to play a leading role in the club's Melbourne fan day and membership drive on Saturday and Voss could yet be tempted to use his 29-year-old star recruit.

It will likely depend on the availability of a host of Lions top-liners who didn't play in the eight-point loss to the Bulldogs.

Voss may decide he can't afford to let slip another opportunity for Fevola to become accustomed to the Lions' forward set-up and attacking structure.

Perhaps this is the chance to rest him and give Jonathan Brown a run. Or maybe the coach sees it as a no-risk assignment to throw the two power forwards together for the first time and see how it all pans out.

Whatever the decision, Brett Ratten can only hope Voss makes up his mind early in the week - the Blues coach is already fed up with questions about Fevola.
source (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/come-on-home-brendan-fevola/story-e6frf9jf-1225832781627)

I really hope he doesn't play. It would kind of ruin all the anticipation of him taking on Carlton at the Gabba in round 2. Plus I want to see the game on TV when he plays them.

[blackyismyboy]

I don't want him to play either - it'd make the round 2 game even bigger. Another practice match would do him good though.

[Hayley]

There's still 2 or 3 NAB Challenge games he can play if he misses this one. Jono B should play instead :D

[b_lions16]

Didn't he say that he wouldn't play if we came up against Carlton? The AFL would like that and we could give Cornelius or Staker a go @ FF.

[Hayley]

Didn't he say that he wouldn't play if we came up against Carlton? The AFL would like that and we could give Cornelius or Staker a go @ FF.

Yeah, he did. But it's up to Voss at the end of the day.

[Jedstheman]

Didn't he say that he wouldn't play if we came up against Carlton? The AFL would like that and we could give Cornelius or Staker a go @ FF.

Yeah, he did. But it's up to Voss at the end of the day.


Could be a smoke screen because of the hype it would create.....The Vic press would be all over Fev from the minute the plane landed and could maybe disrupt the preperation for the match.........personally the sooner Brownvola plays together the better it just makes sense ..........IMO of course:D

[b_lions16]

Don't expect Brendan Fevola to play against his old club when the Brisbane Lions take on Carlton Blues at Visy Park.
Fevola has already told Lions coach Michael Voss that he doesn't want to play against the Blues in a pre-season match that has nothing riding on it.
Fevola initially dismissed the prospect of playing after the Lions' loss to the Western Bulldogs in the NAB Cup first round.
"If the Blues get beaten by Sydney, we play the Blues. So I might have to skip that one. I might wait for Round 2 at the Gabba," he said.
It was delivered with tongue firmly in Fevola's cheek, according to those who witnessed his reply to the obvious question in the short after-match interview at Manuka Oval.
Voss isn't likely to force the issue, content that the sharpshooter will continue his pre-season campaign with two "home" matches at Southport next month.
Voss could yet be tempted to use his 29-year-old star recruit as Fevola will travel with his teammates to play a leading role in the club's Melbourne fan day and membership drive.
It will likely depend on the availability of a host of Lions top-liners who didn't play in the eight-point NAB Cup Round 1 loss to the Western Bulldogs in Canberra on February 14.
While Fevola played on that wet afternoon at Manuka Oval, kicking one goal, forward partner and Lions skipper Jonathan Brown did not.
At this stage, Voss is planning to replace Fevola with Brown in the NAB Challenge clash against a Blues side who were knocked out of the NAB Cup by Sydney.
Despite the inevitable hype that will surround Fevola ahead of the Carlton clash, the Lions were glad Sydney won because it gave them a pre-season opportunity to spend valuable time with their Melbourne fan base.
Had Carlton beaten the Swans, the Lions would have instead played in Sydney this weekend and would not have gone to Melbourne until their round five season-proper clash against Melbourne Demons on April 24.
Blues coach Brett Ratten can only hope Voss makes up his mind early in the week on whether to use Fevola - he's already fed up with questions about his former key forward.
Fevola back at Visy Park would more than double the crowd as fans grab the chance to hail or hoot the controversial Coleman medallist. http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26756019-5018851,00.html

[El Senor Chezzalenko]

Hehhehehehee, I got the BigFooty player sponser thingy wrong. They couldn't get Redden so we got Fevola...

And guess whose going to the function? :)

[christicehurst]

Don't rub things in while we are trying to get a Sponsorship working here.

[El Senor Chezzalenko]

DON'T CENSOR MEEEEEEE! LOLZ!!!!!!!

Sorry, its been a long day...... still got 3 hours before heading out to AC/DC

[b_lions16]

THE surrounds were so familiar Brendan Fevola admitted it almost felt like he was at home. But the differences were so stark it was obvious to the 10,000 fans who watched the Blues down Brisbane by 13 points that he was clearly now just another unwanted visitor. Because of the redevelopment at the ground, Brisbane were given Carton's old rooms and Fevola, out of habit, sat in front of his old locker only to discover immediately that the badge identifying it as his had been ripped off.
And when he ran on to Visy Park, his home for the previous 11 years, the cheers he had become accustomed to as the Blues' favourite son were replaced by jeers.
And the deadly radar that has made him the most prolific goal kicker of modern times was absent.
Fevola, who has declared he never suffers nerves, admitted he experienced something approaching the jitters when he woke up yesterday morning.
And when he walked into his old rooms it just felt weird the feeling didn't pass until the siren had sounded and it was game on. "It was strange, and they have ripped my number off the locker," he said.
"Once you cross that line it doesn't matter, you play footy because that is what you love doing."
Despite the 14.9.(93) to 12.8.(80) loss, Fevola believes the decision to get the first meeting against his old club, an experience many players struggle with, out of the way in the pre-season was a good one.
"It was good to get it out of the way in a practice game, it doesn't really mean much," he said.
"Yeah there were (some cheers), but there was plenty that booed too, but it is water off a duck's back.
"These games are for warming up, I felt pretty good out there, I chased and tackled pretty hard and had six scoring shots but only kicked two.
"So I've just got to practise my goalkicking."
Fevola finished the game with the unflattering figures of 2.3, and he also kicked another set shot at goal out of bounds on the full.
It sounds worse than it was.
Six shots from a full forward is a reasonable day and he also earned another goal for his side by catching an opponent holding the ball and rattled former captain Chris Judd's bells with a smashing tackle in the second quarter.
Certainly Lions coach Michael Voss was satisfied with his new recruit and how he performed alongside Jonathan Brown for the first time.
"It was hard, I don't think the quality of ball was that flash," Voss said.
"When your midfielders are getting pretty well beaten you are looking for minor opportunities and that is what they got.
"But they still kicked five between them."
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,26779688-5016181,00.html

[b_lions16]

IT was billed as the return of the prodigal son, with up to 20,000 people expected to come. But far fewer turned out to hiss Brendan Fevola, now a Brisbane Lion, play on what was his home turf for 11 years.
So how would he be welcomed back to Carlton, a club that defended Fevola's caveman charms until last year, when it was, finally, compelled to sack him for drunken antics screened on national TV?
Under a blistering sun, and lengthening queues for cold beer, Brisbane's new No. 5 didn't do much wrong.
He didn't have the chance to do much right, either.
Fevola spent most of the first half, hands on his hips, sweating in poses more commonly linked to Florence's Statue of David.
In encouraging signs for his new club, Fevola's early involvement included a hard-earned smother, tap, tackle and shepherd.
Naturally, Fevola was jeered whenever the ball came close.
The acoustics of Visy Park, a suburban ground, lent the abuse an intimacy not possible at major grounds.
Within his earshot, Fevola was asked if he wanted a beer (shuffling to his full-forward position before the first bounce), encouraged to drink (when taking water from a trainer) and told he was wearing the wrong colours.
He answered back in the second quarter, when informed he had a nice chin, but dismissed the jeers when he missed shots at goal in the second and third quarters.
He slotted a goal on three-quarter time, as though to remind the crowd that he can be as unpredictable on the field as off it.
Perhaps 10-year-old Declan Adams, of Hampton, summed up a wider sense that Fevola's sacking after the Brownlow Medal was his own fault.
"It was kind of sad," he said, "because I still don't know which number to put on my jumper now."
Yesterday was enough to show that Fevola can still play footy. And at this time of year, in Melbourne, there is no surer path to redemption.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,26779176-5016181,00.html

[b_lions16]

BRISBANE Lions captain Jonathan Brown believes new forward partner Brendan Fevola could kick 100 goals this season. While Brown was keen to stress the Lions wanted to share the goalkicking load, he acknowledged Fevola's capabilities coupled with the Lions' brilliant midfield could see the former Carlton spearhead push for a third Coleman Medal.
"Fev is capable of kicking 100 goals in a season," Brown said at the Brisbane Lions' packed Melbourne family day at the Manningham Club in Bulleen yesterday.
"We had about five or six of our best kickers not playing (against Carlton on Friday) and you will really notice a big difference when those guys come back.
"I'm sure he could kick 80-plus goals. We have some terrific deliverers (of the ball) in our side, and they can give him the opportunity (to kick more).
"I suppose if I can bob up with my couple of goals at centre half-forward, then that would be nice."
Fevola has kicked 84 or more goals in three of the past four seasons, with his best yield 99 in 2008.
Fevola kicked 2.3 in a spirited practice match return to Visy Park against his old side on Friday.
Brown said Fevola deserved the chance to push for three figures, but insisted it would not come at the expense of the club's other forwards.
"One of the things we struggled a bit with over the last couple of years was getting the spread of goalkickers," he said. "So that's still the main focus." http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,26785067-5016181,00.html

[lions_girl_4life]

He better, we have put up with a lot of shit about him, but I am sure that he will

[christicehurst]

To be honest I can't see him getting near 100 goals. Maybe 80 goals would be great to see.

[lions_girl_4life]

I think Browny was trying to pump the supporters up a bit with that, it was on a supporters day, I'm gonna dream for the ton but would be happy with 70+

[christicehurst]

I think 80+ and 70+ would be great for the two. With Sherman, Brennan, and Power chipping in goals.

[Hayley]

I'll be happy with 100+. Nothing less.

[Jedstheman]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/imagedata/0,5001,7638491,00.jpg (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26804713-23211,00.html)

Fev and StormBoy enjoying a laugh Together:eek:

[b_lions16]

Ya reckon that's Lara Bingle's picture on that phone? :p

[christicehurst]

Controversial AFL star Brendan Fevola has been pulled from the league's latest advertising campaign following the fallout from a nude photo he took of model Lara Bingle.

The former Carlton full-forward, who signed to the Brisbane Lions this season, shot a segment yesterday to promote the AFL in Queensland.

But Fevola will now be removed from the marketing campaign as the AFL investigates his role in the distribution of the nude shower photo, the Herald Sun reports.

Woman's Day: Bingle's nude photo scandal

The news comes as reports surfaced that Bingle, who is engaged to Australian cricketer Michael Clarke, could make up to $200,000 for selling her story to a women's magazine.

News Limited reports Bingle is set to tell her story about the nude photo, taken when she was in a relationship with Fevola in 2006, to Women's Day after it had outbid rival magazine New Idea.

It's believed a deal with a magazine would rule out the legal action Bingle indicated she would take against Fevola.

But Bingle's manager Max Markson, who she signed with just before the nude photo was published, said his client would still be suing Fevola.

"(It is) 110 percent going still going ahead," he was quoted as saying.

Markson, who also manages stars such as Naomi Robson and Tania Zaetta, was vague when questioned about Bingle's reported magazine deal.

"Nothing's signed, sealed and delivered — I'm always in negotiations on behalf of my clients," he said.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/entertainment/1020156/fevola-dropped-from-afls-advertising-campaign/?rss=yes

[b_lions16]

The AFL may have banished him from the small screen but the Brendan Fevola Show, coming to you live from the Gabba, is looking every bit a ratings success for the Brisbane Lions.
While debate continues about what action, if any, should be taken against Fevola after the publication of a nude photo of his former flame Lara Bingle in Woman's Day, Brisbane members are queuing up to get a ringside seat for the 2010 season, with the Coleman Medallist the star attraction.
Fevola is being threatened with legal action by Bingle, who claims a photo he allegedly took of her in the shower was unlawfully distributed before it ended up in print.
The AFL is once again investigating Fevola and took swift action yesterday, cutting him from television campaign designed to lift the profile of the code in Queensland.
"The AFL wishes to advise that Brendan Fevola will not feature in a TV commercial to promote rounds one and two for the Brisbane Lions," the league said in a statement.
"The planning for the shoot of the commercial was arranged several weeks ago and was scheduled to go to air in Brisbane later this month, for the opening to the season of the Lions.
"Brendan Fevola was to be used as part of the campaign but the commercial will now go ahead without any reference to Brendan Fevola."
But the code may not need much of a kick in the Sunshine State if Brisbane's membership numbers are any indication.
After an initial backlash from members when Fevola was signed from Carlton - a situation compounded when the popular Daniel Bradshaw became collateral damage from the deal - the Lions' faithful are rapidly coming around to the idea of the big goal machine roaming the forward pocket.
Membership is up 10 per cent from this time last year, with the Lions having 22,879 members on their books in contrast to the 19,719 at the same juncture in 2009.
The curiosity factor appears high, aided by a dream home schedule that is sending almost all of the biggest drawcards to Queensland, including a round two blockbuster with Carlton.
Three-game memberships have rocketed from 607 at the corresponding date in 2009 to 2145 this year, with the dramatic increase indicating fans are dipping their toes into the waters rather than diving in head first.
Victorian membership remains relatively stagnant, perhaps influenced by the messy courtroom saga that has accompanied Brisbane's alterations to Fitzroy's traditional Lion logo, a drama now being played out between the clubs in the Victorian Supreme Court.
Current numbers are 2020, ahead of 1818 in 2009.
While the Fevola circus has made headlines around the country, Brisbane vice-captain Daniel Merrett said the senior group had paid little attention to the unfolding drama, while Fevola will play in Saturday's practice match against Geelong at Princes Park.
"He trained well this morning, he's playing this weekend, so I don't see it as a big distraction to the team," Merrett said.
"The great thing about Fev is once he gets on the footy field that's his domain and he enjoys himself on the field and he leaves all that stuff off the field." http://www.theage.com.au/afl/brisbane-lions/lions-fans-back-fevola-20100304-plo4.html

[b_lions16]

UPDATE 1.40pm: BRENDAN Fevola insists he loves Carlton FC, despite branding their fans "feral", as the AFL says their investigation into the Lara Bingle nude photo scandal has stalled. On Triple M radio this morning, Eddie McGuire read out a text from Fevola in which the former Blue expressed dismay that his “throwaway” comments to Lions supporters had created such a furore.
Fevola added that he’d still be at Carlton if he hadn’t been “such a d---head on Brownlow night”.
Referring to the "feral" comments, Fevola wrote: “It was at a supporters dinner, it was just a few throwaway lines to the new supporters.
“I spent 11 years at Carlton, I love Carlton footy club and I would still be there if I wasn’t such a dickhead on Brownlow night.
“I still have great mates at the club and friendships and a lot of supporters.”
Before reading out the text, McGuire said Fevola was more upset about Carlton supporters hearing his “feral” comments than he was about the Lara Bingle nude photo scandal.
The AFL said earlier today that its investigation into Fevola's involvement has stalled as it awaits evidence from Bingle.
The AFL says it is determined to get to the bottom of the nude photo issue after speaking to Fevola and various Brisbane Lions officials last week.
But league operations manager Adrian Anderson said it was unable to take the issue much further without help from the woman at the centre of the storm.
"The only stumbling block from our point of view in this investigation which we commenced straight away is that we do not have co-operation from Bingle's people (management) to be able to talk to her and we are continuing to seek to do so,'' Anderson told SEN radio today.
"It is fundamental in any professional investigation to speak to the alleged victim and hear her version of events.
"We don't go ... on what people read on Woman's Day or what may pop up in the media.
"It is going to make it very difficult for us to pursue this properly if we can't do that, as it is the next and logical step to speak to Lara Bingle and this is what we are endeavouring to do.''
Bingle has claimed Fevola took the nude photo of her in the shower and she felt "violated'' and "humiliated'' by it.
Anderson said the AFL viewed the allegations very seriously.
"We made it very clear the AFL position is that we believe it is unacceptable for any player to take photos of a woman without her consent and to distribute those,'’ he said.
"We've also investigated it as soon as we became aware of these allegations.
"Our integrity officer has spoken with Brendan Fevola, his club and has been seeking since last Wednesday now for the opportunity to speak with Lara Bingle and to date that request has been refused.''
Carlton traded Fevola to Brisbane late last year because off his bad boy ways.
In a speech at the Brisbane Lions' season launch on Monday night, Fevola thanked the club for its public support in the wake of the photo scandal linked to the controversial goalkicker.
But after reluctantly taking the microphone, he quickly warmed to the moment and gave Carlton a backhand.
Fevola had maintained his silence since the Bingle scandal exploded with the publication in Women's Day of nude photographs he allegedly took of her during a fling in 2006.
"It's been a tough week but the boys have really got behind me. It is like a family here," he said. "I wish I'd come here a lot sooner.
"I just love playing footy and once you're out on the field, that's all that matters."
He even took a cheeky dig at Carlton fans, labelling them "feral".
It was music to the ears of Lions coach Michael Voss who has been staunch in his support of Fevola.
The 29-year-old has told Brisbane he did not distribute the photo and that the picture was taken on a pre-paid mobile phone that disappeared long ago.
"I hope that all our players feel that. I hope everyone has that sense of belonging," Voss said.
"You want to be able to rally behind people at your club. That is what we will continue to do."
Voss reiterated his claim the side would not be distracted by the scandal that has entered its second week.
"While there has been talk in the hallways, as you'd expect, there has been no distraction. We have a clear focus on what we want to achieve," he said.
"Our players have built that resilience. It won't be the only distraction we ever have. We roll with it. It builds our toughness. It is not about copping a bruise but it is not allowing things to distract you, not taking your eye off the ball."
The Lions have erected a giant billboard in Brisbane featuring Fevola's image.
And the club's new sponsor Betezy will donate $50 for every goal Fevola or skipper Jonathan Brown kicks this season to a charity of the Lions' choice.
If the pair can match the 174 goals they kicked between them last season, one lucky charity will be more than $8000 better off.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/brendan-fevola-insults-carlton-fans/story-e6frepf6-1225838906273

[b_lions16]

Brendan Fevola has maintained his silence since the Lara Bingle storm descended but the controversial forward was just one of the boys as the Brisbane Lions launched their season last night, thanking the club for its support and taking a dig at Carlton fans along the way.
Fevola was given a welcome usually reserved for club greats like Jonathan Brown and Simon Black when he was introduced to the crowd of fans, members and sponsors at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

While Fevola has kept his head down in the media despite calls from some sections for an apology to Bingle, he was given microphone duties at the launch, as would be expected of any marquee signing, and answered a series of club-approved questions.

He said it had been a "tough few weeks" for he and his family but he was relishing the support of the Lions and head coach Michael Voss, who has publicly backed the Coleman Medallist and said he believes his story that the now infamous nude shower shot was not intentionally transmitted from his phone.

Fevola is wishing away the weeks until round one, where he is hoping his work on the field as Brisbane's star recruit will eclipse the drama that tends to lurk on every corner. "I just love playing footy and once you're out on the field, that's all that matters," Fevola told the audience.

After initially looking reticent to elaborate on his state of mind, Fevola soon loosened up as his teammates gave his some gentle ribbing about his trademark chin and reminisced about his pre-season clash with former club Carlton in Melbourne.

Fevola was greeted with a chorus of howls and boos upon his visit to Visy Park but cheekily suggested Carlton fans had always been "a bit feral".

The Brisbane launch began at the same time the television current affair programs faced off with Bingle specials after the former model and fiance of Michael Clarke, the Australian cricket captain, sold her story to Woman's Day.

Bingle said she felt betrayed and humiliated by the publication of the nude photo - in the same magazine in which she told her story - and will seek legal action against Fevola, whom she accuses of distributing it after the pair's affair in 2006.

Fevola has lawyers of his own and has already been interviewed by the Lions and the AFL on the matter.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/lions-give-fev-warm-welcome-20100309-pt6b.html