American football legend Vince Lombardi was once famously quoted as saying “winning is a habit”.

If that’s the case, then the efforts from the next generation of Brisbane Lions players in the NEAFL should give fans great hope for the future.

While the Lions’ senior team has struggled for wins over the past few seasons, a number of the younger developing players have tasted nothing but success in their short time at the Club.

Take rookie defender Justin Clarke for example.

Clarke joined the Lions as a raw teenage prospect from country South Australia at the end of 2011, and went on to play a key role in the Lions Reserves’ all-conquering NEAFL side the following year.

In fact, he was part of two premiership-winning sides as the Lions claimed both the NEAFL Northern Conference flag and the Cross-Conference Championship in consecutive weeks.

Clarke has since been elevated to the senior team where he has shown that competitive edge that comes with experiencing regular success.

Admittedly there is a significant step-up from the NEAFL to playing senior AFL football, but the Lions Reserves’ winning form should not be understated.

Since claiming the State League wooden with just four wins from the 2011 NEAFL season, the Reserves have won 26 of their past 31 matches – including the aforementioned two premierships.

They also enjoyed a 12-game winning streak from Round 21 of last season until only last Saturday when suffered defeat for the first time in 2013 at the hands of the Gold Coast Suns.

If winning is truly a habit, then the Lions’ NEAFL players are being bred for future success.