Throughout September and October, lions.com.au will be reviewing the seasons of all members of our current playing group. Today we look at how Mitch Hinge, Archie Smith, Jack Frost and Oscar McInerney's seasons unfolded.

#42 - Mitch Hinge

Category A rookie Mitch Hinge continued to edge closer towards a Senior debut in 2018, showing great potential in his performances for the Lions' NEAFL side.

Hinge was incredible in Round 9 against Aspley, finishing with 23 disposals, four contested marks, eight intercept possessions, seven score involvements and a goal.

Hinge played 15 NEAFL games this season and was a member of the AFLX winning side.

The emerging defender was unfortunate to injure his shoulder late in the season and required surgery in August.

Last month Hinge signed on for another season, much to the delight of teammates and the Club.

“We’ve seen continued improvement in Mitch’s game this year. We really like the work he’s done off half-back and on the wing,” David Noble said following Hinge's re-signing.

NEAFL matches: 15

#43 - Archie Smith 

The work rate and athleticism of Archie Smith was solid for the Lions' NEAFL team this season.

Despite his determination to play more Senior football in 2018, Smith was unlucky not to get a Senior call-up.

Emerging ruckman Oscar McInerney edged out Smith for the number two ruck spot at the Lions behind incumbent Stef Martin. 

In his 19 NEAFL matches, Smith averaged 14 disposals and 35 hitouts.

Smith's dominance in the ruck was highly influential during the Lions' Round 15 clash with Sydney Uni.

The 22-year-old's performance helped end a tough month-and-a-half of football for the Lions' NEAFL side with the team winning for the first time in six games. 

Coaches Comment - Ben Hudson, Ruck and Midfield Assistant Coach

"Although unable to break into the Senior side this year, Archie had another solid year at NEAFL level. His dominance at stoppages combined with his follow up at ground level continued to be his strength. Rucking for the whole season at NEAFL level will hold him in good stead for when he is given his opportunity at AFL level. He continues to work on developing his forward line craft."

NEAFL matches: 19

#45 - Jack Frost 

It's been a long road back to playing for Jack Frost after suffering through concussion issues in 2017. 

Frost returned to form this season, playing 18 matches for the Lions' NEAFL side. 

In Round 18 against the Sydney Swans Frost was influential, collecting 17 disposals to come away as one of the best on field in the 61-point victory.

Development Coach Paul Henriksen was impressed by the growth Frost displayed on the day.

“Jack Frost had probably his best game for the year against Sydney," he said.

Heading into the 2019 pre-season healthy, Frost will be more than eager to earn back his spot in the Lions' Senior team.

NEAFL matches: 18

#46 - Oscar McInerney

Not many fans would have expected at the start of the season that Oscar McInerney would become a regular in the Lions’ Senior side.

But that’s exactly what happened for the hard-working tall who made his debut in Round 6 and played every match bar one after that.

Hailing from Montrose in Victoria, McInerney’s journey to AFL was unique to say the least, having worked as a shower screen installer, Christmas tree deliverer and accountant before joining the Lions as a mature-aged recruit. 

In his second season at the Lions, ‘Big O’ started his year off in the NEAFL and played in three matches before earning a call up to the Senior side. 

Possessing a great set of hands and surprisingly good skills for his 204cm frame, McInerney played the majority of the year as a forward and would help out in the ruck when Stef Martin needed a rest.

McInerney formed a great partnership up forward with fellow talls Eric Hipwood and Dan McStay, giving opposition sides plenty of headaches on who the main target inside 50 would be.

He averaged 8.4 disposals, 11 hitouts and just under 2 contested marks a game, while also chipping in with 14 goals for the season.

His best match of the season was against Adelaide in Round 18 when he clunked four contested marks, kicked two goals and produced five hitouts to advantage.

Surprisingly given his height, McInerney provided great pressure in the Lions’ forward line and rated elite in the competition for tackles inside 50.

McInerney has drawn comparisons to Collingwood tall Mason Cox and if his development continues as it has he is capable of becoming a huge weapon in attack for the Lions in 2019.

Coaches Comment - Ben Hudson, Ruck and Midfield Assistant Coach

"Following a string of consistent performances at NEAFL level throughout 2017 and the pre-season of 2018, Big O was rewarded with his Senior debut in Round 6 versus GWS. He continued to develop both his forward and ruck craft as the season progressed. One thing that we have also noticed as coaches with Oscar at AFL level is that his work rate and unrewarded running is one of the best in our team."

Senior matches: 16, NEAFL matches: 3