The Brisbane Lions’ emerging players have made an impressive start to the season.
Eight first or second-year players took part in last weekend’s match against Collingwood, including four members from the 2016 draft class, two from the 2017 draft and another two rookies.
With the season a third of the way through, lions.com.au reflect back on the development and performances from these young stars so far.
Hugh McCluggage
Noticeably bigger and more composed in traffic, Hugh McCluggage has been a standout over the first seven rounds of the season.
McCluggage is averaging almost three disposals more per game in 2018 than 2017 and is also taking more marks and laying more tackles.
In Round 5 McCluggage recorded a career-high 26 disposals.
Games: 7
Average disposals per game: 17.6
Goals: 3
Jarrod Berry
Like McCluggage, Jarrod Berry has taken his game to another level this year and is averaging nearly five disposals more per game in 2018 than 2017.
Berry spends the most time out of the young players in the midfield but has also shown his ability move forward and kick goals, including a three-goal haul in Round 1 against St Kilda.
Against the
Games: 7
Average disposals per game: 17.1
Goals: 4
Alex Witherden
With many expecting him to win the Rising Star in a canter this year, Alex Witherden was slightly off his best to start the year.
But as expected, the classy defender has returned to top form in the last month and has been damaging coming out of defence.
Witherden ranks first amongst 2018 Rising Star eligible players in disposals, rebound 50s, marks and effective disposals per game.
Games: 7
Average disposals per game: 22.6
Cam Rayner
While he hasn’t received the attention fellow draftees in the top eight teams have been getting, number one draft pick Cam Rayner has been steadily improving and adjusting well to the tempo of Senior footy.
As a big bodied forward/midfielder, Rayner has shown
Against Collingwood, Rayner was brilliant in the last quarter and sparked a couple of excellent passages of play.
As his endurance continues to improve, look out for Rayner to rotate through the midfield and impact the game more.
Games: 7
Average disposals per game: 12.3
Goals: 4
Zac Bailey
Zac Bailey made his debut at the MCG in Round 4 and has shown glimpses of his game-breaking ability since then.
Bailey has similar attributes to Dayne Zorko - a wicked turn of speed and an ability to go forward and kick goals.
Against Collingwood, Bailey looked more comfortable with the speed of the game and finished with 17 disposals.
Games: 4
Average disposals per game: 12.5
Goals: 2
Jacob Allison
Jacob Allison made his debut late last year and was impressive in the final five matches of the season. After earning his spot back after a couple of strong weeks in the NEAFL, Allison has been solid in his three Senior appearances so far.
With a penetrating kick and explosive speed, Allison brings plenty of outside run to the side.
Games: 3
Average disposals per game: 13.3
Oscar McInerney
After debuting in Round 6 against the Giants, Oscar McInerney has put together a couple of solid performances that have provided a glimpse of his future potential.
McInerney has been likened to Collingwood’s Mason Cox, with his ability to compete in the ruck and clunk marks in the forward line great assets.
He kicked his first career goal against Collingwood and was always a threat in contests.
Games: 2
Goals: 1
Matt Eagles
Fan favourite Matt Eagles made his debut on the weekend against Collingwood and showed enough to suggest he can cut it at the Senior level going forward.
Eagles’ first quarter was slightly nervy, but once he settled down he excelled in defence and made several excellent spoils and took a couple of great marks.
Games:1
