Brisbane Lions rookie Sam Michael is quickly developing a reputation as a ‘big game’ player after being awarded the Zane Taylor Medal as the NEAFL Northern Conference’s best player in last Saturday’s State game at West Adelaide.

It comes just nine months after Michael also received the Andrew Ireland Medal as the best player in the Lions Reserves’ 2012 Cross-Conference Championship triumph over Queanbeyan.

However, on this occasion, Michael’s standout performance wasn’t enough to lead his team to victory, with the SANFL claiming an 82-point win.

The NEAFL side were considered rank underdogs heading into the match, but took the match right up to their more fancied opponents and trailed by just eight points at the main break. The crow eaters eventually gained the ascendency in the second half by booting 14 goals to three.

Michael, who was one of two Lions representing the NEAFL side along with teammate Nick Hayes, has played predominantly in the ruck this season, but had his greatest influence up forward against the SANFL.

The 19-year-old imposed himself on the contest, and kicked a couple of goals from strong marks.

Former Lions Paul Shelton (Morningside), Daniel Dzufer (Redland), and Cheynee Stiller (Aspley) were also among the NEAFL’s better contributors, while Leigh Ryswyk kicked a game-high six goals for the opposing SANFL side.