TOM ROCKLIFF has revealed his mum doesn’t take too kindly to criticism of her son and his Lions teammates.
 
“You probably don’t want to sit next to her in the crowd and say something negative about the Lions or myself because you’ll be on the end of a back hand,” he laughed.
 
The Lions today launched 'Women of the Pride', an initiative aimed at getting women actively engaged and involved with the Club through a range of events and activities.
 
Christie Leppitsch and Brisbane Director Sarah Kelly unveiled the new group at The Gabba together with Rockliff and his mum Jill.
 
Mrs. Rockliff said the transition for her son, drafted from the Murray Bushrangers in Victoria and her family had been made easier with the support of the Lions.
 
“We’ve been made so welcome up here and we love the Club so much.
 
“I can walk in here and everyone makes us feel very welcome. I try to do the same for new parents because it’s so important. We’re not just Brisbane people we are spread right across Australia so that makes a difference”, she said.
 
Rockliff said his mum has been instrumental in his career.
 
“Mum’s been a massive support not only in my career but in my life as well.
 
“She’s been there for the highs and the lows, but she was also my number one supporter and she still is now”, he said.
 
“I think it shows in the numbers that have turned out that it’s important for our footy Club and the way footy is heading, female involvement is so critical to our game.”