Tom Rockliff is set to return to his roots as a forward in a plan to bolster the Lions’ attack.

Brisbane’s midfield led ably by Rockliff and Dayne Beams, 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.

With Daniel Rich poised to spend more time through the middle and with the AFL’s cap on rotations, Coach Justin Leppitsch has the option of stationing Rockliff and other noted goal kicker Beams permanently forward for periods of games.

“Our forward half pressure will go to another level, which I am excited about,’’ Rockliff told The Courier Mail.

The 26-year-old was drafted as a forward but has always created headaches for opposition defences when he drifts into the forward 50.

“I think now the time is right, we have got that midfield depth now,” Rockliff said.

“Throwing Ryan Bastinac and Tommy Bell in there gives us another dimension so I can be an option up forward.

“With Richie going through the middle of the ground and the ability for me to swing through the forward line, I think we could look quite dangerous.”

The Captain said signs of improvement and adherence to the new game plan, rather than wins and losses, were what the side should be judged on this year.

“To put a number on how many wins we are going to have is probably unfair and puts unnecessary pressure on our young group,” he said.

“What we have to do is improve, we have to stick with the game plan and play how Leppa wants us to play.

“If we can do that, and we stay healthy, we think we will be competitive in a lot of games.”

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TEAM: Big Names Return
READ: Our Goal Kicking Mids