When the Brisbane Lions sought inspiration for its record-breaking comeback against Geelong back in Round 13, they found it in veteran midfielders Simon Black and Brent Moloney.
 
Black had 12 touches in that memorable final quarter, while Moloney was arguably the match-winner with 11 disposals, five clearances and two goals.

But with both Black and Moloney sidelined for last Saturday night’s match against North Melbourne, that responsibility would now rest with the Lions’ next generation of midfield stars.

And they certainly delivered.

Daniel Rich provided a much-needed spark in the third term, with 12 disposals (six contested), six inside 50s, five score involvements, and an incredible 424m gained, while Pearce Hanley booted three second half goals.

Tom Rockliff was sensational all day with a team-high 28 possessions, nine of which came in the final term.

Rockliff’s final quarter also included three centre clearances.

Then there was 18-year-old Sam Mayes, who showed a cool head well beyond his years by contributing a goal assist and kicking a clutch goal himself during the frenetic final term.

It has taken little time for Mayes to endear himself to Lions fans, and it seems his performances over the past fortnight have also caught the attention of the wider football media.

“Can you believe this kid has played just 11 games of AFL?” Mark Robinson asked rhetorically in his weekly column on the Herald Sun website.

“When North Melbourne's stars couldn't influence the game, it was Mayes, Daniel Rich, Pearce Hanley, Tom Rockliff and Jack Redden who stood up.

“Mayes had just 21 (disposals), but kept presenting himself at the ball. Took a team-high seven marks, had six inside 50s and team-high four score involvements.

“Am not the first to say it, and won't be the last: This kid is a gun.”

The fight-back would have delighted Senior Coach Michael Voss and given fans another positive pointer towards the Lions’ midfield future.