While it was a disappointing season for the Lions, with only four wins and a spate of injuries, players on the Club's young list impressed in their development and a number of the older hands showed great leadership, consistency and commitment to the team.
 
Today lions.com.au looks at guernseys 27-31 in the third part of its series of player reviews.

#27. Darcy Gardiner

Defender Darcy Gardiner played eight games for the Lions this season as he struggled initially with injury, missing the opening two rounds and then form (omitted in Round Nine, he played three games in the NEAFL). The 20 year-old eventually succumbed to injury again – being ruled out for the season due to an injured shoulder and ankle requiring surgery. As he continues his development in 2016, Gardiner will form an integral place in the Lions’ back six.

#28. Lewis Taylor

As the reigning Rising Star, Lewy Taylor carried a great weight of expectation on his young shoulders in 2015. Rather than disappoint, the Victorian had a second terrific season. At just 173cm – the Lions' shortest player - what Taylor lacks in size, he more than makes up for in effort and ability; playing every game in 2015, he had 32 disposals against St Kilda and was one of the Lions’ best in their win over the Western Bulldogs, kicking three goals and collecting 28 possessions.

#29. Jaden McGrath

Kerang product Jaden McGrath had a perfect start to AFL football. Drafted in 2014 at pick 73, McGrath was a standout first-year draftee and played three AFL games as well as all three NAB Challenge matches in 2015. Unfortunately for McGrath, after pulling up sore following the loss to Richmond in Round Three, he was diagnosed with a stress reaction in the navicular bone in his foot, requiring surgery and a 12 week lay-off. McGrath was progressing well before repeating the same injury later in the season – this time not requiring surgery.

#30. Jack Redden

Averaging 23.7 disposals from 17 games in 2015, midfielder Jack Redden found plenty of the ball, but struggled at times with the effectiveness of his disposals. His best game came in Round Five where he had 33 disposals and five tackles against the Suns, and later in Round 13, where he had 26 disposals and kicked a goal. At the end of his seventh season at the Club, the in-contract 25-year-old expressed interest in being traded.

#31. Harris Andrews

The rise of Harris Andrews was the feel-good story for Lions’ supporters in 2015. Eighteen months ago, the tall teenager was barely on the national radar; but now, with 17 games under his belt, the 18-year-old defender looks set to develop into one of the games’ best young defenders. Andrews’ excellent first year form culminated in a Rising Star nomination in Round 18 for his defensive work against the more mature Geelong side. Signing a contract extension until the end of 2018, from almost nowhere, the Brisbane-raised product has given the club a key position player for the next decade.