Begley 'can't wait' for first Rules game

Former Laois minor Colm Begley is itching for his first taste of Aussie Rules action after returning to new club, the Brisbane Lions, from a Christmas break.

The 19-year-old Begley, who signed a two-year rookie contract for Brisbane along with fellow O'Moore man Brendan Quigley in November, has been taking part in extra skills sessions with Lions assistant coach Daryn Cresswell this week.

Begley said: "Myself and Brendan have extra sessions with 'Cressa' and he seems reasonably happy with the way it's going - he says we are moving pretty well in the skills department.

"I can't wait for the (first) game. That's when you really work out where you are and how far you have progressed with your skills. You can kick the ball properly now but in a game, you don't know.

"I'm excited, but also a bit nervous," he told the club's website, lions.com.au.

The Stradbally defender is likely to get his chance to impress for Brisbane's feeder club, Suncoast Lions, who play in the AFLQ (Queensland) State League, in the spring.

Suncoast's league season begins in April, with practice matches in March.

Begley added: "It will take me another two or three months to get even half the skills I need. But I'm enjoying it - even though I haven't had much time to do much except train and sleep."