Midfielders are likely to spend far more time resting inside 50 than they ever have in the past.

The AFL announced in September that, in a bid to reduce the amount of on-field congestion, interchange rotations would be slashed from 120 to 90 in 2016. It means that short and sharp stints on the bench will, at times, no longer be available to busy midfielders.

The Lions boast a midfield packed with talent and the ability to go forward and kick goals. Led ably by Tom Rockliff and Dayne Beams, the Club's midfield now includes draftees Ben Keays and Rhys Mathieson (who are highly promising ball-winners) and new recruits Tom Bell and Ryan Bastinac, who add depth and experience to the side.  

Lions.com.au takes a look at some of the Club’s best goal kicking midfielders.

Dayne Zorko: Mid-forward

18 goals from 22 games

Performing as an elite mid-forward of the AFL, Dayne Zorko’s 18 goals in 2015 had him ranked fourth in the Lions’ goal kicking, second of all mid-forwards and his 23 disposals per game ranked fourth for his position. The 27-year-old was ranked in the top 25 in the AFL for pressure applied (fourth of mid forwards). A resting Zorko is a dangerous Zorko.

Lewis Taylor: Mid-forward

17 goals from 22 games

Champion Data rated Lewis Taylor as an elite mid-forward last season due to his ability to find more of the ball on the outside, averaging 16 uncontested possessions. Taylor was ranked No.1 at the Club for assisted metres gained (273) and above average for his kicking. With this little ‘Mozzie’ resting in the forward line, expect the opposition to be on their toes.

Tom Bell: Mid-forward

17 goals from 22 games

Off-season recruit Tom Bell was rated elite for disposals, contested possessions and Champion Data ranking points in 2015. He led the Blues for inside 50s and metres gained, also ranking top-five for disposals, clearances and tackles. He was damaging as a forward, rating above average for score assists and score involvements, while also finishing third in Carlton’s goal kicking with 17 majors.

Dayne Beams: Midfielder

10 goals from 16 games

Crossing clubs didn’t impact Dayne Beams’ elite inside work. The 26-year-old averaged the eighth most Champion Data ranking points of any player and was one of five midfielders to rank in contested possessions and clearances. A resting Beams in the Lions’ forward 50 is guaranteed to cause opposition clubs some headaches. He kicked 10 goals from 16 games as a midfielder last season.

Tom Rockliff: Midfielder

5 goals from 16 games

Tom Rockliff endured a difficult early half of last season with injury but had an exceptional back-half of the year. He ranked No.1 in the competition for Champion Data ranking points from Round 18. His ability to hit the scoreboard is a strength. Watch out for Rockliff taking a breather and making an impact in the forward 50 in 2016.

Pearce Hanley: Midfielder

9 goals from 11 games

Despite spending the first nine rounds on the sidelines recovering from pre-season hip surgery, Irishman Pearce Hanley made a big impact on his return to the side in Round 10. His ability to break lines and use the ball with precision, as well as his capacity to lift and lead the team, makes him one of the most damaging players on the list. Hanley kicked 9 goals from just 11 matches, expect Hanley to rest in the Lions’ forward line rather than the pine in 2016.

Ryan Lester: Midfielder

7 goals from 9 games

Despite at times struggling with consistency, Ryan Lester proved that he was capable of being a damaging player in the Lions’ forward 50 in 2015. At 190cm tall and 85kg, Lester is able to play a number of roles across the field. In a surprise showing, he booted four goals in Round 9 against St Kilda and two against the Bombers in Round 8. The 23-year-old has impressed on the track this pre-season and with a return to limited rotations, look for Lester lurking in the forward line.

Rhys Mathieson: Midfielder

In the Lions’ pre-season opener against the Suns, Rhys Mathieson played as a fifth moving through the midfield and forward line. Mathieson was fearless around the contest, winning six free kicks in his 13 disposals (of which seven were contested) and kicked a superb banana goal from the forward pocket. The 18-year-old may be in line for an early senior call up and with his goal sense the Lions may look to rest him in the forward line.