Rockliff continued to be one of the Lions’ most prolific ball-winners in 2012 - averaging 24.36 disposals per game - despite being used more regularly up forward.
But a productive pre-Christmas training program has seen the 2011 Merrett Murray Medallist - and many of his teammates - feeling better prepared than ever.
“At this stage, I’m probably in the best shape I’ve been in during my 4-5 years at the Club, so hopefully I play more in the midfield and then drift (forward) to rest,” Rockliff said.
“All the boys have come back in really good shape - I think it’s the best we’ve ever prepared for a pre-season.”
“Hopefully we can finish the pre-season really strongly, play some good pre-season games, and then see what happens when the season comes around.”
In recent years, Rockliff has stamped himself as one of the emerging stars of the AFL - along with midfield cohorts Jack Redden and Daniel Rich.
Together, the ‘Three R’s’ present an exciting future for the Club.
“It starts with us in the midfield,” Rockliff said.
“We’ve built a couple of years together now, and when you throw Brent Moloney into the mix, we’re starting to mature really well together as a group.”
“We’ve obviously got quite a young group - besides Browny and Blacky - and I think we’re starting to get a few more blokes put their hands up which is really good.”
