Throughout September, lions.com.au will be reviewing the seasons of all members of our current playing group. Today we look at the quartet of Josh Walker, Nick Robertson, Jacob Allison and Cedric Cox.
#14 - Josh Walker
2018 was a tale of two halves for Josh Walker.
Following a strong end to 2017, Walker started the year off in the Senior side, playing in the first four rounds of the season.
He was solid but not spectacular in these matches, and following the blowout loss to Richmond in Round 4, was moved back to the NEAFL side.
Walker was strong in the next seven NEAFL matches, kicking 11.10 and taking 52 marks.
He returned to the Senior side in Round 14 and was thrust into defence when Harris Andrews suffered a concussion. From then on he was super as a key defender, playing in the Lions' final 10 matches of the season and earning plaudits for his intercept marking.
Against Hawthorn in Round 17 Walker was incredible, taking intercept mark after intercept mark and collecting 20 disposals. He was rewarded with five Coaches Votes.
Chris Fagan spoke very highly of him after that performance.
"When Josh is hungry and he's got a point to prove he's capable of that sort of performance,'' Fagan said.
"He's been so consistent the past four weeks and I hope with everything that I have got that he can maintain that consistency and get some real belief in himself that he can do that.
"It was a really special game, lots of intercept marks, great spoils, it was a special effort from him.'
Walker recently re-signed for 2019.
Coaches Comment - Murray Davis, Backline Coach
"Stood up for us in the absence of Andrews, played the last 10 games as a key defender. Averaged 16 disposals & three intercept marks whilst playing down back and his performance against Hawthorn in Launceston was a standout. Walks
Senior matches: 14, NEAFL matches: 7
#18 - Nick Robertson
Nick Robertson produced the best season of his career in 2018 but received very little external attention or recognition.
The rugged defender finished ninth overall in the Merrett-Murray Medal which was easily his highest placing to date.
He played in 21 matches and averaged 17 disposals, five marks and two tackles a game.
Robertson's best game of the season was in the Round 17 victory over Hawthorn when he provided lots of run out of defence and shut down Hawks forward Luke Breust. He was rewarded with one Coaches Vote for this performance.
He also collected a career-high of 27 disposals in Round 1 against St Kilda.
Renowned for his hardness and aggression, Robinson missed one match through suspension when he was charged for striking the GWS Giants' Harry Himmelberg in Round 6.
Coaches Comment - Murray Davis, Backline Coach
"Played 21 games only missing 1 through suspension in Round 7. Provided great run and spirit with his competitive nature. Showed his ability to play his role for the team in playing on All Australian Luke Breust in our Round 9 and Round 17 wins against Hawthorn restricting Breust to just 0.1 & 0.2 respectively."
Senior matches: 21
#19 - Jacob Allison
Jacob Allison wasn't able to build on his strong end to 2017 in 2018.
Allison played the Lions' final five matches in 2017, but managed only three Senior appearances in 2018 - in Rounds 5, 6 and 7.
Against Gold Coast in Round 5 Allison was impressive, finishing with 16 disposals and five marks.
In 15 NEAFL matches, Allison averaged 21 disposals, two tackles and six marks a game. He kicked eight goals for the season.
Senior matches: 3, NEAFL matches: 15
#20 - Cedric Cox
With Fagan and General Manager of Football David Noble open in their desires for a running defender, exciting speedster Cedric Cox has all the attributes to play a big role in the Lions' future.
Cox has excellent skills and pace. In his second season at the Lions, he played four Senior matches and 14 NEAFL matches.
His best Senior match of the year was against Melbourne in Round 2 when he collected 15 disposals and kicked a goal.
In the NEAFL he averaged 20 disposals a game.
If he can string together a consistent pre-season and continue his development, Cox should be a great chance of playing regular Senior footy in 2019.
Senior matches: 4, NEAFL matches: 14
