North Melbourne defensive signing Darragh Joyce has revealed his frustrations with a lack of opportunity during his time at Brisbane, saying the move to the Kangaroos is a "fresh start".
Joyce was delisted by the Lions after four seasons and 14 games, failing to bypass the likes of premiership winners Harris Andrews, Ryan Lester, Darcy Gardiner and Jack Payne during that time.
"It's a blessing and a curse," Joyce said on SEN.
"It's lovely to be part of such a successful environment and organisation, but the opportunity wasn't there for me. Took some great learnings when you're playing alongside Harris Andrews and Ryan Lester and these lads; it was really good.
"They all knew my frustrations throughout the year. I was so close. I had so many messages and lifelong friends up there. They were super rapt for me, but it's obviously sad to leave the club you have so many special connections with.
"North Melbourne is a fresh start for me."
But when he received his AFL chance under Chris Fagan, he made the most of it, impressing the Brisbane coaching staff by limiting the opposition's forwards.
However, when the selection squeeze came to a head, Joyce was sent back to the VFL.
But he doesn't take for granted the time he spent in the successful organisation, detailing the one part of his game that he has taken to another level.
"My defence has always been my strength," he explained.
"I'm a tough bugger, and I don't mind doing the hard yards. But it's the offence that has been my biggest improvement. It's gone to another level up at Brisbane."
Joyce checked in for day one of pre-season at Arden Street on Monday, only knowing one familiar face, but has already felt the love of his new club and teammates.
"The one physio I knew personally," Joyce said. "I knew no one else personally at all. A great bunch. Everyone is so welcoming. A few lads took me under their wing as you know, going into a club, you don't know the run of the place."
And according to Joyce, with some injury concerns over fellow key defenders in Griffin Logue, Toby Pink and Charlie Comben, his inclusion couldn't have come at a better time.
"I think there are a few injuries, but I am going to put my head down, be a good teammate, and do what I can to make the place better," he said.
"Defence is something they obviously want to work on. So with my leadership and voice, I can really impact there. Hopefully hit the ground running."
Joyce joined the club alongside delisted pair Elijah Tsatas and Samson Ryan, with all three receiving AFL lifelines at the Kangaroos.
The Irishman was initially signed by St Kilda ahead of the 2018 season from Kilkenny in the GAA (Gaelic), spending five seasons - and 13 games - in Moorabbin before making the move to Queensland.
