WITH no Jonathan Brown to lean on, theBrisbane Lions need another focal point to kick to in 2015.

And 20-year-old Michael Close is puttinghis hand up.

Close is one of a number of young Lionsbeing groomed to help cover the loss of Brown, who retired after a glittering14-year career during last season.

He is a long, long way from the finishedproduct, but with a beefed-up midfield and hopefully an increased supply, Closeis confident he can be a reliable target for Justin Leppitsch's team.

After spending his first year at the Lionsin the NEAFL, Close played 14 games in 2014, kicking 10 goals.

He is a running machine – always in the topthree at club time trials – and is slowly filling out his 196cm frame.

"I learnt a lot last year," Closetold AFL.com.au.

"I made my debut, I got dropped, Iplayed reserves, came back up … and I improved playing senior footy againstgood quality opposition."

The steepest learning curve came once Brownplayed his last game against GWS in round 13.

Instead of playing alongside his mentor, hewas then paired with Daniel Merrett and a combination of Daniel McStay and JonoFreeman.

Brown helped coach him for the remainder ofthe season, and is still doing so now in his part-time role at the club.

"I'd rather him out there with me, butit was great having him on the sidelines, having him there working with meevery Monday, it was a big asset for me," Close said.

"That No.1 spot is up for grabs andhopefully I can make it mine by the end of the season, or even half-way throughthe season.

"I want to try and cement my place atcentre half-forward and work alongside Jono Freeman or Jackson Paine or LukeMcGuane."

The Lions have plenty of faith in Close,signing him until the end of 2017 after only a handful of senior appearances.

There will be little pressure on him tokick bags of goals next season, as the Lions plan on doing it by committee.

The addition of goalkicking midfieldersDayne Beams and Allen Christensen should fit nicely alongside Dayne Zorko, SamMayes, Tom Rockliff, Lewy Taylor and small forward Josh Green.

Pearce Hanley can also run forward and kickgoals from a wing, while Carlton recruit Mitch Robinson (58 goals in 100 games)can also impact the scoreboard.

"We're a young group up there, we'restill learning and hopefully we can become a good forward line this year ornext year," Close said.

"We'll have a lot of depth in themidfield so hopefully we get a lot more supply and better quality supply. It'llbe an exciting time for us forwards."