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 37-41 in the eighth part of its series of player reviews.
#37. Cian Hanley
Cian Hanley was signed by the Lions as an international rookie late last year but spent 2015 in rehabilitation from an ACL injury suffered in the All Ireland under-18 semi-final. Much like his brother Pearce, Hanley has impressed the Lions with his elite agility and endurance and will look to use a full-preseason to make his debut for the Lions in 2016.
#38. Tom Rockliff
In his first season as Captain, Tom Rockliff was dealt one of the most difficult seasons the Lions have experienced: he endured 18 losses and battled personal injury (breaking his ribs in Round One and again in Round Nine). Without Rockliff’s on-field voice, the team struggled to register wins. Though his 2015 season did not match the previous year’s effort (for which he won All-Australian selection), Rockliff had an exceptional back-half of the year, collecting 45 possessions and making 14 tackles in the Lions’ Round 22 loss to the Hawks.
#39. Jackson Paine
Jackson Paine had a run of bad luck with injury in 2015 – playing early in the season in the NEAFL after recovering from a shoulder injury, only to suffer an ankle injury mid-season while pushing for senior selection. Paine had surgery in May that left him out for the remainder of the year, and will be looking to make a big impression in 2016.
#40. Matt Hammelmann
Matt Hammelmann’s big frame and strong hands mean that he can be dangerous. In his first season at the Lions, Hammelmann kicked 23 goals playing in the Reserves from 17 matches. He sustained a left tibial fracture in the Reserves’ loss to the NT Thunder in August, and remains in a ‘moon boot’ during his recovery. He is expected to resume full training around Christmas.
#41. Mitch Golby
Mitch Golby found his spot in the Lions’ line-up in Round Four against the West Coast Eagles, playing five games in his last season at the Club. His game against West Coast gathered the midfielder 25 touches and three tackles. Golby spent much of the year in the NEAFL, failing to make his way back to the Lions side. After five seasons Golby was delisted at season’s end.
