Still shaking off nerves about his body following two injury-ravaged seasons, classy Brisbane defender Keidean Coleman is jumping out of his skin ahead of a grand-final rematch with Geelong at the Gabba.
Coleman missed Brisbane's 2024 run to the flag after rupturing his ACL in Opening Round.
And he played just one senior game last season - again missing out on premiership success - because of knee and quad issues.
But it's been a different case this season with Coleman playing all nine games so far in a welcome sight for Brisbane fans.
The 26-year-old looks like he hasn't missed a beat, averaging 18.5 disposals to establish himself as an important part of Brisbane's defence.
He has produced some bone-crunching tackles, but his biggest highlight came when he kicked a long-range running goal against St Kilda in round three.
But in his mind there were plenty of lingering doubts.
"I must admit, I started off a bit rusty," Coleman said.
"I was definitely nervous with the body and mindset-wise as well.
"But the team's been going well in the past four weeks.
"So individually I'm just trying to do my part in the team and playing my role."
Brisbane (6-3) have won six of their past seven games to shoot into fourth spot on the ladder.
Fifth-placed Geelong (6-3) have won four of their past five games to also put themselves firmly in the fight for a top-four berth.
Brisbane thumped Geelong by 47 points in last year's grand final and the rematch on Thursday night is a chance for the Cats to exact some revenge.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has already put his troops on notice, especially after watching the way Geelong dismantled Collingwood by 54 points on Saturday.
"Fages touched on it yesterday in our team meeting that Geelong are a very good team and they've always been thereabouts at the end of the year," Coleman said.
"So we know tomorrow night will be tough, and we've got to bring our A-game. It should be a cracker."
Making Thursday's match even more special for Coleman is the fact he has designed the team's Indigenous jersey for the Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
"It was a great process, I thoroughly enjoyed it," Coleman said.
"I came from the Northern Territory, so moving from there to Brisbane at the age of nine or 10, I had the great foundation of my aunties that looked after me, so that's pretty much the story (of the jersey)."
The Lions welcome back premiership duo Darcy Gardiner (shoulder) and Sam Marshall in place of Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring awareness) and Darragh Joyce (dropped).
Geelong have made four changes.
Premiership trio Gryan Miers, Mark Blicavs and Jack Henry are back, while emerging ruckman Mitch Edwards was also handed a spot.
Jake Kolodjashnij and James Wropel have been managed, while Rhys Stanley and Jack Bowes were omitted.
