The Lions went for youth by recruiting Murray Bushrangers medium-forward Tom Rockliff at pick number five. The Benalla teenager was unexpectedly overlooked in the NAB AFL Draft, despite selection in the TAC Cup Team of the Year and winning the Murray Bushrangers' Best and Fairest in 2008.
Rockliff is a smart and creative medium-sized forward who is a proven goal kicker. He booted 59 goals in the TAC Cup in 2008 to lead the competition.
He also averaged 23 possessions at TAC Cup level and was a Vic Country representative at the NAB AFL U18 Championships.
Brisbane Lions Football Manager Graeme Allan said Rockliff’s proven record impressed club selectors.
“Tom is a smart and creative footballer who can kick goals as a small forward and also play in the midfield,” Allan said.
“He is a clever player that we feel could be a long-term prospect for our club.”
East Perth player Daniel Murray, picked at number seven in the Rookie Draft, will keep the ruck stocks strong at the Lions as the fifth big man.
They already have senior pair Jamie Charman and Matthew Leuenberger as well as third-year rookie Joel Tippett and draftee Bart McCulloch.
Murray showed clean hands and good stoppage skills as a Western Australian representative at the NAB AFL under 18 Championships in 2008.
“Murray was second ruckman to Naitanui in the state championships, therefore didn’t get a great amount of time but we liked the way he went about his game,” Allan said.
The Lions have retained second-year Irish rookie Pearce Hanley on their list as well as Pat Garner, who was rookie drafted in 2007 but sidelined for the season following two knee reconstructions.
Former AIS basketballer Tippett was retained at selection number 82, as was half-back flanker Daniel Dzufer , at pick 77.
Queensland priority pick Adam Spackman, who hails from Brisbane club Morningside, was selected at number 66.
“Adam is a midfield half-back who played state football for Queensland this year and had a very good finals series,” Allan said.
The Lions passed on picks 23, 38 and 52 in rounds two, three and four of the Rookie Draft, while former Brisbane rookie Haydn Kiel heads to Hawthorn as a Hawks’ second-round pick.
