Injured for the majority of 2015, Jonathan Freeman made a significant impression when he finally returned to the senior side in Round 18 against Geelong and Assistant Coach Danny Daly is confident the 21-year-old could be in for a big 2016.

“Young Jono missed a lot of last year but we’ve got high hopes for him.”

Kicking seven goals in 6 matches (including a three goal haul against Carlton), Daly believes the Lions Academy product could combine with Walker, Close and McStay in 2016 to bolster the team’s forward line.

“I think all the Lions supporters saw what he could do in the last few games of the year.

“If he can get through a full pre-season and get a bit of weight on his body and get some consistency in his training, I think he’ll go a long way to being a very good footballer for us this year,” Daly told Lions TV.

Third year player Daniel McStay, according to Daly, is also primed for a breakout season.

McStay holds plenty of promise for Lions fans, with his strong marking hands and a big-bodied presence allowing him to switch between the Lions’ defence and forward line.

“Dan McStay I think is in for a big pre-season, he’s looking quite fit.”

“He’s a guy that’s had to play a key role down forward for us last year and do it one out.”