GVGjr
26-02-2007, 05:58 PM
Aker show pitches in Lions' tent (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21285810-2722,00.html)
Aker show pitches in Lions' tent
*
* February 26, 2007
IF the Brisbane Lions are looking forward to squaring up with former team-mate Jason Akermanis in their NAB Cup second- round clash against the Western Bulldogs, they are not letting on.
The stage is set for a classic grudge match on Friday night after the Lions came back from the dead to hold out St Kilda 0.7.10 (52) to 1.5.6 (45) in a rain-soaked pre-season opener in Cairns on Saturday night.
It ensured Brisbane would be confronted with the topic they have been avoiding since a very public divorce last season -- Akermanis.
Brisbane midfielder Luke Power did his best to maintain that approach by trying to pour as much water on the subject as that which saturated Cairns' Cazalys Stadium on Saturday night.
"If Aker's out there he will be treated like any other Bulldogs player," Power said. "It will be weird seeing him running around in the Dogs colours after he was such a great player for Brisbane.
"But I think it will be more weird playing against my little brother (Bulldog Sam Power) than playing Aker though."
Akermanis had an inglorious end to his 248-game Lions tenure when he was dropped for his off-field comments last year.
After trading barbs with coach Leigh Matthews all season, Akermanis was cut from the senior roster with seven rounds left and later traded to the Bulldogs.
Akermanis had just 10 touches on debut for the Bulldogs in their 27-point win over Sydney in Canberra yesterday but looked to have lost none of his verbal form, giving Swans rookie Kieren Jack some "advice" as they walked off at half-time.
"It's all part of it, I really enjoyed it," Akermanis told Fox Sports about his duel with Jack.
But Power would not bite when asked about the Bulldog. "We don't talk about it at all. We are the 2007 Lions, we are not worried about the past and for a very good reason -- our last two seasons haven't been the best."
Aker show pitches in Lions' tent
*
* February 26, 2007
IF the Brisbane Lions are looking forward to squaring up with former team-mate Jason Akermanis in their NAB Cup second- round clash against the Western Bulldogs, they are not letting on.
The stage is set for a classic grudge match on Friday night after the Lions came back from the dead to hold out St Kilda 0.7.10 (52) to 1.5.6 (45) in a rain-soaked pre-season opener in Cairns on Saturday night.
It ensured Brisbane would be confronted with the topic they have been avoiding since a very public divorce last season -- Akermanis.
Brisbane midfielder Luke Power did his best to maintain that approach by trying to pour as much water on the subject as that which saturated Cairns' Cazalys Stadium on Saturday night.
"If Aker's out there he will be treated like any other Bulldogs player," Power said. "It will be weird seeing him running around in the Dogs colours after he was such a great player for Brisbane.
"But I think it will be more weird playing against my little brother (Bulldog Sam Power) than playing Aker though."
Akermanis had an inglorious end to his 248-game Lions tenure when he was dropped for his off-field comments last year.
After trading barbs with coach Leigh Matthews all season, Akermanis was cut from the senior roster with seven rounds left and later traded to the Bulldogs.
Akermanis had just 10 touches on debut for the Bulldogs in their 27-point win over Sydney in Canberra yesterday but looked to have lost none of his verbal form, giving Swans rookie Kieren Jack some "advice" as they walked off at half-time.
"It's all part of it, I really enjoyed it," Akermanis told Fox Sports about his duel with Jack.
But Power would not bite when asked about the Bulldog. "We don't talk about it at all. We are the 2007 Lions, we are not worried about the past and for a very good reason -- our last two seasons haven't been the best."