Ryan Lester

Drafted by the Brisbane Lions with pick 28 in the 2010 National Draft from the Oakleigh Chargers, Ryan "Froggy" Lester built a career defined by resilience and adaptability rather than flashiness. Initially deployed as a versatile utility who could plug gaps in the midfield or forward line, Lester spent much of his first decade on the fringe of selection, often fighting for his football life on a series of one-year contracts. His commitment to the club was never in doubt, seeing him voted into the leadership group and serving as a mentor for younger players as the VFL captain when squeezed out of the senior side. This period of uncertainty culminated at the end of 2022 when he was formally delisted, only to be immediately re-drafted as a rookie—a humbling administrative manoeuvre that would ultimately precede the best football of his career.

In his thirties, Lester reinvented himself as a calm and reliable third tall defender, becoming a critical interceptor in Brisbane's backline. His late-career renaissance saw him shed the "depth player" tag to become a first-choice defender, providing a steady hand during the Lions' premiership window. This perseverance was rewarded when he played a key role in the 2024 premiership victory, cementing his legacy not just as an ultimate clubman who survived the lean years, but as a vital contributor to the club's ultimate success.