Josh Walker had a challenging 2019 season, finding himself in and out of the AFL team, throughout the year. With such a healthy list, the competition for spots in the defensive line was hot. However, the swingman never dropped his head, playing strong football when he dropped back to the NEAFL team.

Walker played 11 AFL games for the Lions this year, with his best performance Round 3’s win over Port Adelaide at the Gabba. That afternoon he had 23 disposals, 16 marks and six intercept marks.

Ely Smith was taken with the Lions’ first draft pick at the 2018 NAB AFL Draft. The 19-year-old did not have the chance to make his AFL Debut this season, however he was one of the undefeated NEAFL team’s key contributors for the year.

Smith suffered a setback midway through the year, when he suffered a stress reaction in his foot, which ruled him out for six weeks. The big-bodied midfielder came back and played some of his best football for the year.  In Round 20’s win over the GWS GIANTS Smith had 23 disposals, nine tackles and a goal. Smith will be one to watch in 2020 and a strong chance to make his debut.

Thomas Berry, younger brother of Jarrod, had a solid first season in the maroon, blue and gold. Berry played 19 games for the undefeated, premiership winning NEAFL team. He became known as a tackling machine, his highest for the season was Round 12’s win over Sydney Uni where he had 14 tackles for the afternoon, along with 26 dispoals.

In exciting news for the Berry family, Thomas extended his stay at the Club, to remain in the Den alongside his brother until at least the end of 2022.

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