Tom Rockliff and Pearce Hanley have been further recognised for their impressive 2014 campaigns with selection in respected football journalist Mike Sheahan’s prestigious ‘Top 50’, published in the Herald Sun.

Sheahan, whose Top 50 list has become a much debated topic over the years, ranked both Lions players ranked among the top 25 players based on their performances throughout the 2014 season.

Rockliff, who has already taken home a second Merrett-Murray Medal and earned AFL All-Australian selection this off-season, was the highest-placed Lions player at No.20.

Remarkably, it was the first time that the 24-year-old had appeared in Sheahan’s esteemed list.

“Almost 600 possessions from 18 games proves he has that capacity to find the footy in heavy traffic. While he will never be accused of being sleek or swift, he is tough and smart, and relishes the heat of battle. He is going to be the bandleader in Brisbane for a long time,” Sheahan said.

Hanley, meanwhile, elevated his standing in the game this season, according to Sheahan.

He came in at No.25 – after appearing in Sheahan’s 2014 pre-season prediction list at No.43.

“Yes, he’s a favourite of mine, and with good reason. He is a jet. Most kicks at Brisbane, second for marks, third for handballs, and that doesn’t acknowledge his ability to carry the ball better than most and kick with both depth and accuracy, and a trajectory that gives his forwards even more advantage,” Sheahan said.