BRISBANE draftee Hugh McCluggage admits the lure of re-signing with the rebuilding Lions is strong.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The South Warrnambool export produced a career-best effort in the Lions’ heavy loss to Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, earning an AFL Rising Star nomination.
McCluggage said while he was occasionally homesick, a strong support network meant the transition to life in Queensland had been smooth.
He re-affirmed his desire to be a part of the Lions’ future following continued on-field improvement.
“(Moving) can be tough, but I went away to boarding school in year 10. For the boys coming straight out of home, it’s a big move,” McCluggage said.
“Even for me, there are times when I’m a bit homesick. But, my parents are up here a lot and I get to see family and friends quite a bit when we’re playing games in Melbourne.
“It means I still see everybody quite a bit and that definitely helps a lot.”
He said the temptation of moving back to Victoria wouldn’t weigh in as he spoke to the club about extending his two-year deal.
McCluggage said while the club’s youth were the marked improvers, the leadership group was also growing.
“It’s the people around the club (that create confidence about the future). It’s the coaching staff, the assistants and the leadership group,” he said.
Even for me, there are times when I’m a bit homesick. But, my parents are up here a lot and I get to see family and friends quite a bit when we’re playing games in Melbourne.
- Hugh McCluggage
“It’s not only the young guys that are improving, it’s also the guys like Zorks (Dayne Zorko), (Tom) Rockliff – they’re all driving the high standards for the young players here.
“I’m at a club that I can see having a strong future. As long as we keep improving, I can definitely see a future.”
The former Allansford junior, who produced 19 disposals, eight marks and nine score involvements to earn the rising star nomination, was pleased with his progress at senior level.
“I think you’re a bit like a headless chook when you first start, but each week I’m feeling more comfortable,” he said.
“But I’m still nowhere near where I’d like to end up.”