Brisbane Lions supporters can expect the Club’s third year players to make a big impact heading into 2016, according to Assistant Coach Gary O’Donnell.

The Lions’ junior players (first to fifth years) will return on Monday, while the older group will start on November 23.

“You’ve got to keep an eye on those players going into their third year,” O’Donnell said.

“Guys like (Lewis) Taylor and (Darcy) Gardiner, Tommy Cutler – we’re looking for big things from him and Dan McStay.”

O’Donnell predicts that midfielder Sam Mayes could be in for a breakout season with the Club.

Mayes spent time playing off half back and on the wing in the Lions’ line-up in 2015, a season in which he notched up his 50th game for the Club.

A stress reaction in his foot caused Mayes to be sidelined early in the season, while patches of inconsistency in form also at times forced him back to the NEAFL.

Mayes’ best game came in Round 20 against Carlton, where he gathered 20 disposals and kicked two goals and O’Donnell expects the South Australian will impress in 2016.

“He might be a smoky this year – one that just bobs up and we get a really good year out of him.”

The Lions acquired four players through the AFL’s Trade Period last month and O’Donnell is confident of the playing depth they will provide to the group.

“They’re all good additions to our squad – (Jarrad) Jansen, (Josh) Walker, (Ryan) Bastinac and (Tom) Bell.

“We’re looking to have experienced players come to us. Although Jansen hasn’t played league footy he looks like a likely type.

"We’re really looking for them to add to our squad, it makes us have a lot more depth but also improves us as a footy team,” he said.

“We go in with no expectations of where we may finish (next season). We want to improve, we want to show our supporters and give them hope that we’re heading in the right direction.

“If we start the season well, who knows after that.”