Such has been the Lions’ willingness to play first-gamers that only three players on the Club’s primary list - Callum Bartlett, Sam Docherty and Patrick Wearden - are yet to taste senior AFL action.
Jordan Lisle is another who is still striving towards his debut in the maroon, blue and gold, although he already has five senior matches to his name after spending a few seasons at Hawthorn.
All four of these individuals have been showing good form in the Lions Reserves side of late, and will be hoping that their time will come at some stage during the remaining seven weeks of the 2012 season.
Bartlett has endured the longest wait, having overcome two knee reconstructions in each of his first two seasons in Brisbane.
But the Geelong Falcons recruit has so far enjoyed an uninterrupted 2012 season in the NEAFL, which has helped him regain valuable match fitness and get confidence back in his body.
Fresh from a best-on-ground performance against Labrador last Saturday, Bartlett is now building towards his chance at senior level.
Also banging on the selection door is first-round draftee Docherty, whose first ever pre-season was delayed following hip surgery.
He has since returned to the field and quickly proven why he was such a highly rated teenage prospect.
Last weekend, the Phillip Island product was afforded his first full game in the midfield with the Lions Reserves, and was listed among the side’s best.
“He played the entire day in the midfield and had near 30 possessions,” Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke said.
“He really relished the wet conditions; he has a strong body and powerful legs.”
“His first taste of AFL probably isn’t far away.”
Wearden, meanwhile, is still in the very early stages of his development after making a monumental leap from country football in Victoria to the AFL.
The Club has been thrilled with his progress over recent weeks and firmly believes the “penny has dropped” in terms of his understanding of what’s required in transitioning to the elite level.
Lisle is another player whose whose recent form in the NEAFL would suggests that he’s getting close to a senior call-up.
The former Hawk has performed a key role up forward with the Lions Reserves, and offers the added flexibility of also being able to pinch-hit as a ruckman if required.
“(Against Labrador) Jordan ended up having 8-9 shots on goal, but finished with 2.5 and maybe one or two out of bounds,” Clarke said.
“Had he kicked straight, his name would have been up in lights.”
Clarke believes that if Lisle can maintain his current form, then an opportunity will eventually come his way.
“He’ll get his chance, and it won’t just be because another guy is out injured or suspended. It will be because he’s put in the hard work and has earned the right to play.”
