Emerging key forward Michael Close is looking forward to being on the receiving end of what the Lions’ new midfield can deliver in 2015.

During the two-day community camp on the Sunshine Coast, both Lions senior coach Justin Leppitsch and new captain Tom Rockliff mentioned Close’s name when asked where the goals will come from in 2015.

Close played 14 senior games in 2014 and kicked 10 goals in his first season in the big time after spending all of 2013 in the NEAFL.

Since being drafted at the end of 2012, the 196cm Close has put on 8kg of muscle and earned the reputation as one the club’s elite runners.

“For me 2015 is about being consistent and staying injury free. There’s a spot there with (Jonathan Brown) gone and hopefully I can fill it for the footy club by playing more consistent footy,’’ Close told The Courier Mail.

“I ended up playing 14 games but I wasn’t very consistent. The biggest thing I learned is the work ethic required to play in the AFL and to focus on getting the little things right.’’

“With the midfield we’ve got this year, we will get a lot more delivery into the forward line and good quality delivery.’’

Close has Lions legend Brown is his corner as the club’s part-time key forwards coach passing on pearls of wisdom.

“I always look forward to the days when Browny comes into the club because it is very specific stuff that we work on. We really get a lot out of it because it’s the little things that he brings to the table that nobody else can,’’ Close said.

“The biggest thing I take out of it is doing my work early. You might not get the rewards in the first or second quarters but it’s in the back-end of the game where you get the rewards if you keep working and keep grinding it out.

“Hopefully by the fourth quarters, I’ll be fresher than my opponent and I’ll be able to cash-in then.”