NOT too many players get a cult following in their first year, but little Brisbane Lion Lewy Taylor has quickly shown he has substance as well as style.

The 173cm small forward has played all 18 games this season, is part of the 'Mozzie Squad' alongside Dayne Zorko and Josh Green, has won a Rising Star nomination and last week signed a contract extension until the end of 2016.

Not bad for a guy that 'slid' to No.28 in last year's AFL Draft.

Speaking at the Lions' recovery session on Monday following Sunday's grinding win over Melbourne, Taylor said he felt totally at ease in his first season.

He was full of praise for coach Justin Leppitsch, who he said had put a lot of trust in Taylor.

And it's been rewarded, with the nimble and dynamic former Geelong Falcon and Vic Country captain kicking 11 goals and averaging 16 disposals a game.

While losing a string of young players at the end of last season might have temporarily set back the Lions, Taylor said having so many draftees and players of the same age at the club in 2014 had been a huge help.

"It was a lot easier to fit in with a lot of younger players," he said.

"It picks up the older blokes as well having a lot of younger players. They've all enjoyed the year so far.

"There's a good group here at the Lions. It's young, but we're getting better and better each week. Hopefully in years to come we can be a strong team.

"It's not going to happen straight away, that's for sure. A couple more pre-seasons and a lot of hard work and we're definitely on the right track. We know we can get there."

And Sunday's win continued to prove that.

Despite having the majority of forward 50 entries, the Lions trailed by 13 points early in the last quarter before overrunning their opponents with the final six goals.

Taylor agreed it was a sign of maturity.

While he praised captain Jed Adcock and vice-captain Tom Rockliff, again it was the younger brigade that shone.

Tall forwards Daniel McStay (three goals) and Michael Close (two) and defender Darcy Gardiner (18 disposals, 12 marks) all caught the eye.

With four rounds remaining, Taylor, known as 'Squizzy' to his teammates, is hoping the Lions can upset some finals ambitions, starting with Adelaide at the Gabba on Sunday.

"We go out there to win every week," he said.

"We've got a tough daw in the last four games, we know that. Adelaide are pushing for finals, we'd love to stop that."

Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting https://twitter.com/AFL_mikewhiting