Heat is on as Lions face climate change

THERE were no amount of warnings from Jarrod Berry that could have truly prepared his brother Thomas and the Lions group of 2018 draftees for the gruelling heat of Queensland.

The younger Berry, who was picked up by Brisbane at last week’s draft, hit the training paddock yesterday alongside fellow recruits Ely Smith, Thomas Joyce, Connor McFayden and Noah Answerth in scorching conditions at Yeronga.

However, the heat may have proven too much for some, with both Berry and Joyce left vomiting throughout the session.

Berry, who hails from Victoria, said older brother and Lions midfielder Jarrod had warned him about how hot the training sessions in Brisbane can get, but yesterday’s run was still a shock to the system.

“It was pretty tough. It’s the hardest I’ve done,” he said.

“I had a bit of a spew so it wasn’t that great.

“It’s a lot different compared to Ballarat. It’s bloody icebergs there at the moment. It’s very humid so I’m still get- ting used to it. I always knew it was hot up here but I’ve only ever really visited Jarrod in the winter so the summer is next level.”

Berry, who was the Lions’ second pick at No. 36, was watching from his family home in Horsham when he discovered he was heading to Brisbane.

A midfielder or small defender, the 18- year- old said he was over the moon to join his older brother, who kept a close eye on him at training yesterday. “It’s really exciting,” he said. “It’s a dream come true to play with Jarrod and I’m pumped to be part of the club.

“I was sitting with the family ( during the draft) and we were absolutely stoked.”

It was the second training session for Brisbane’s draftees who arrived in the Sunshine State on Tuesday and first hit the paddock on Wednesday.

Answerth, from Melbourne, said it already felt like home while Joyce, who comes from Western Australia, admitted it would take time to get used to the Queensland climate.

“It’s a bit hard being away from home but I’m really enjoying it so far,” Joyce said.

“I wasn’t sure that they’d actually take me. I wasn’t sure that they were interested so I’m real happy to be here.

“The running ( at training) wasn’t too bad but the heat gets to you a bit. It’s something we’ll get used to over time.’’