Brisbane Lions defender Ryan Lester set to make his 200th AFL appearance

One of the Brisbane Lions’ most popular players will reach a significant career milestone on Sunday against St Kilda.

Lions defender Ryan Lester is set to make his 200th AFL appearance on Sunday. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

As much as Brisbane Lions stalwart Ryan Lester likes being regarded as a team man and a “nice guy” by his peers, he’s happier to now have a reputation for being a top player as well.

Out of selection favour a couple of years ago to the point of only making three AFL appearances in 2022, the experienced defender has played in 38 of Brisbane’s past 39 matches, including the past 33 in succession.

As a result, he’s set to make his 200th AFL appearance on Sunday when the in-form Lions chase a ninth consecutive win in their Marvel Stadium clash with St Kilda, the team Lester supported as a boy.

Selected by the Lions at pick 28 in the 2010 national draft, the former Saints fan admitted it was a milestone he wasn’t sure he would achieve despite making his senior debut in round 1 of the 2011 season.

“Ever since I got to the club, 100 games was probably something I really strived for, getting my name on a locker, and then 150 games and getting life membership with the club, but 200 games, probably at the time didn’t seem possible or realistic, but it’s just a by-product of hanging in there long enough and having a career that goes long enough,” he said.

Brisbane defender Ryan Lester will achieve a significant career milestone on Sunday. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

The humble Lester, who turns 32 this month, admitted injuries to other players helped him regain his spot in the Lions’ AFL team despite his impressive form when he had to settle for a place in Brisbane’s VFL side.

“If you have a career long enough, you get a bit of luck along the way and for me, luck came in the form of a few injuries to our other key defenders,” he said.

“Obviously, I’ve controlled my career and done really well in the last couple of years, but you need a couple of breaks here and there, and that’s what I’ve got.”

Lester is adored by his teammates, with Brisbane star Cam Rayner describing him as “one of the most loved players at the club”.

“What’s he done for us and all the young boys that have come through, you can’t put into words,” Rayner said.

“As a person, he’s one of the most humble and caring people. Every single person that came through here as an 18-year-old would have spent multiple times at his house and time with him.

“He’s one of those people that genuinely cares about you, really wants to know what you’re up to, checks in with your family and just one of those people you need at the footy club.

“The ultimate testament is the way he’s turned his career around. He’s been on one-year contracts playing in the VFL, trying to make people get better, and comes now into the AFL and probably been our most consistent performer this year.

“You just know what you’re going to get from him. I’m super excited that he gets to play his 200th (on Sunday) and super excited that I’ll be able run out with him.”

Lester said it was “nice when people say good things about you”.

“(But) it’s also nice that my footy’s actually made me become a bit more respected in the last couple of years,” he said.

“Primarily for most of my career I’ve probably been known as a nice guy around the club and a good leader and all that sort of thing, but in the last couple of years I’ve been able to show that I’m not a bad player as well.”