#6. Hugh McCluggage

Hugh McCluggage became a major part of Brisbane Lions’ blueprint for success following his selection as third pick during the 2016 AFL draft.

McCluggage had an outstanding first AFL season in 2017, debuting in Round 3 against St Kilda with fellow Ballarat boy, Jarrod Berry. 

The 19-year-old played his best AFL game yet in Round 14 and secured an AFL Rising Star nomination.

McCluggage was impressive during the Round 14 match, gathering 19 possessions and laying two tackles against the GWS Giants.

The midfielder continued to improve week by week, finishing Round 23 with 17 disposals, 8 marks, 2 tackles and a goal.

With silky skills and plenty of class, the Lions are excited to see what the Club will achieve with McCluggage on their side.

Senior matches: 18, NEAFL matches: 1

#7. Tom Bell

2017 was a challenging year for Tom Bell, with a devastating season-ending injury in the Round 13 NEAFL match. 

Tom Bell spent the beginning of the 2017 season interchanging between the Senior and NEAFL side.

The 26-year-old played his best games during Rounds 9, 11 and 12 of the NEAFL competition. Bell gathered an impressive 35 disposals, five marks, four tackles and one goal during the Round 12 match against Southport.

However, it was an unfortunate injury that shortened Bell's season during the NEAFL match against GWS Giants. 

The midfielder was stretchered off during the last quarter of the match and taken by ambulance to hospital to undergo surgery on his dislocated ankle and fractured fibula.

Bell has had an unlucky past two seasons at the Club with a medial meniscus tear sidelining Bell for the majority of the second half of 2016.

Senior matches: 6, NEAFL matches: 6

#8. Rohan Bewick

Rohan Bewick celebrated a significant milestone during the Round 16 match against Geelong, having played 100 games of AFL.

It was his efforts one week earlier which had spectators impressed when the hard-running player secured three goals to help bring home a nail-biting 8-point victory over Essendon.

Bewick struggled to demonstrate consistency in the Senior side and consequently spent time playing between both the Senior and NEAFL side. Nonetheless, he finished the 2017 season on a high, playing in the NEAFL Grand Final and securing the Premiership victory.

As the 2018 season approaches, the Lions look forward to seeing Bewick excel in the new year.

Senior matches: 8, NEAFL matches: 12