Despite being widely regarded as the standout Irishman currently playing in the AFL, Pearce Hanley’s adamant his best is yet to come.

Hanley was a revelation in 2011 as an attacking defender; playing all 22 matches and finishing fourth in the Lions’ Best & Fairest, and his form this year has been similarly irrepressible.

But the 23 year-old says he’s still got a lot of developing to do as a player.

“I reckon I’m still learning, and there’s a lot of improvement in me,” Hanley said.

“I’m still working hard each week. I’m definitely not there yet; I reckon I can get a lot better.”

If Hanley can step up further from his effort against the Western Bulldogs last weekend, there’ll be a lot of sides nervous about his output in the second half of 2012.

Last Saturday afternoon, Hanley had 29 touches, took 13 marks and kicked a goal, in what he described as his ‘breakout game’ of the year.

Hanley was also voted by his teammates as the ‘Players’ Player’, which he says meant a lot.

“[Being named ‘Players’ Player’] shows you’re not just getting the touches but you’re also putting your body on the line and making some tackles,” he reasons.

Hanley is due for his 50th senior appearance against the Gold Coast in Round 17, a milestone indicative of his established position in the senior side.

After being taken by the Lions with Pick No.38 at the 2008 AFL Rookie Draft, he endured a wretched run of soft tissue injuries in his first three years with the Club.

But after breaking into the top flight for a chunk of consecutive games at the back-end of 2010, Hanley hasn’t looked back.

“I feel comfortable in the team; I think I’ve got my spot there now,” he says.

“It’s now just about helping out the team and getting better and better and trying to contribute each week.”

While he’s now at ease playing at the highest level, Hanley struggled with the most fundamental skill in footy when he first came to the Lions.

With a background solely in Gaelic football, learning to boot the oval-shaped Sherrin was a difficult proposition; particularly as he’s had never even dabbled with a rugby ball growing up in Union-loving Ireland.

“I only felt comfortable kicking the footy about halfway into my first year,” Hanley concedes.

“I don’t think it [my kicking] came naturally, I worked pretty hard.

“I played a bit of Under 11’s rugby when I was seven. I think I was just there to make up numbers - I didn’t want the footy. That’s the closest I got to a rugby ball.”

It’s a testament to his talent and work ethic that Hanley is now considered one of the best ball-users in the entire competition.

He leads the Lions in total kicks in 2012, and his disposal efficiency by foot is hovering at almost 80%.

Hanley attributes his punting prowess to picking the game up later in life, and good coaching.

“Because I started from scratch a bit older you don’t form any bad habits,” he says.

“My technique is pretty good because that’s the way I was taught [at the Lions] and I stick with it.”

Another thing the Lions’ coaching contingent has drummed in to their Irish import is the need to back himself with ball in hand.

Hanley is renowned for his proclivity to run-and-carry from defence; he’s got the most rebounds from 50 at the Club this year and he’s second in running bounces.

He explains he’s been given a licence to take the game on, both down back and during stints on the wing.

“I’m definitely in the side to give that run,” he says.

“The coaches want a bit more run up in the midfield as well which is why I’m there; I’m still learning how to do that.

“I ‘m enjoying the midfield; you’re closer to the footy, you don’t always have to follow a man around, and you’re closer to goal as well!”