He's been with Brisbane throughout their journey from the AFL's basement to the penthouse but Rhys Mathieson knows he has to start paying his share of the rent in the Lions' new digs.
The 24-year-old heads into 2021 off-contract and realises he needs to take his own game to another level if he is to fulfil his ambition of staying a part of Chris Fagan's squad.
Mathieson debuted in 2016 but the midfielder has managed just 47 AFL games since and only featured once in last year's journey to a preliminary final.
The Geelong Falcons product knows something big is brewing at the Lions, but he risks missing out on it unless he can become a more integral part of Fagan's plans.
"It's a massive year for me," Mathieson told AAP.
"Out of contract and just with the depth that we've got in our team - I have to be able to play good footy and show my teammates that I can play at the level and that I fit in the 22.
"It was a tough year (in 2020) ... I was emergency quite a lot of times, so I was right there on the fringe ... but it only happened to be one game.
"The club had a dramatic jump and we're improving each year so you have to improve with the boys otherwise you're just not quite going to make it."
The Lions begin their season at the Gabba on Saturday against Sydney and a midfield spot is available following Cam Rayner's season-ending knee injury in last week's pre-season win over Gold Coast.
While Rayner's setback is devastating to the youngster and his teammates, Mathieson may be the beneficiary if it gives him a chance to have an extended run in the 21-year-old's absence.
"I do see it as an opportunity but at the same time I feel like I could have possibly been in the 22 with Cam," he said.
"I don't think you can replace a Cam Rayner, that's just my opinion, he's an absolute star and I think he is a match winner ... it actually makes me feel a bit sick that we don't have him.
"It's just an unfortunate thing but maybe - possibly - gives me a chance."
