Young defender Marco Paparone has been rated the Club’s most improved player in 2015 by afl.com.au.

Here’s what journo Michael Whiting had to say about the emerging 20-year-old, as well as a few other young Lions:

“The ultimate utility over his first two seasons, Paparone has found a home in the Lions' back six.

“Mixing time between key post and running half-back, the 20-year-old has come on in leaps and bounds.

“While he still occasionally gets caught out of position and gets beaten in the odd one-on-one contest - which will improve as he gets stronger - Paparone's elite running ability allows him to leave his man, get into space, and be an ideal link between defence and the midfield.

“Still plenty of room to improve, but the more he plays, the more comfortable he looks.

“Paparone's best game in 2015 was R10 versus GWS. His most recent game was superb. He finished with 25 disposals and 11 marks and was a major reason the Lions stayed competitive for so long.

“Others who’ve stepped up: Ryan Lester, Harris Andrews.”