The Lions fell to a 72-point loss to Hawthorn on Saturday in Launceston.
Senior Assistant Danny Daly said despite the loss there were some positive steps forward for the Lions’ young brigade.
“To go down to Tassie against the reigning premiers, who are hoping for three in a row (was a huge challenge)”
“For the first quarter we were pretty good. We fell away after that. The margin was 72 points.
“They got away from us in the second quarter”, Daly said.
“Overall it was another opportunity to get another game into the young kids and to practice some things we’ve been working on in training over the last few weeks.
“The result wasn’t great but it’s just taking those small steps forward.”
Daly said the output of some of the Lions’ youngest players was a shining light and brings hope for 2016.
“Some of our defenders under the heat really stood out for us.
“It was good to get Mayesy (Sam Mayes) and Cutts (Tom Cutler) in the side the last few weeks.
“What they’ve been able to do is provide a bit of run for us across half back. I think they’ve been able to give us some run and carry out of the backline”, he said.
“Up forward Jono’s (Freeman) ability to compete and bring the ball to ground was pleasing for us.
“We got another game into young Billy Evans. He had 14 or 15 possessions and a few clearances against the reigning premiers. Obviously they’re pretty tough through the midfield. He handled himself quite well there and again Paps (Marco Paparone) another step forward.
“Our younger guys are getting games into themselves and getting better each week and some hope and encouragement moving forward to 2016.”
