This year, Cedric Cox played his first game for the Lions Senior team in more than a year in Round 23 against Richmond, after being rewarded for his solid form in the Club’s NEAFL team.

Cox’s development throughout the year was noticed by the Lions coaching staff, with Senior Coach Chris Fagan highlighting the 22-year-old’s improvement before the Richmond clash.

“Coxy has been playing up forward as a small forward, we’ve been really pleased with his progress this year,” Fagan said.

In the 2019 NEAFL season, Cox averaged over 16 disposals per game and 1.3 goals, using his speed, skill and versatility to become troublesome for opposing sides.

Cox is contracted with the Lions until the end of 2020. 

Sam Skinner missed one game only in the 2019 NEAFL season, bouncing back from an injury-ridden 2018 season.

Skinner was quick to prove his health and impact, establishing an imposing presence on the field each week, particularly when in the forward line.

The 20-year-old kicked 22 goals for the season, averaging 1.2 goals per game. He booted multiple goals on eight different occasions throughout the year, including a bag of four in Round 4.

The 198cm, 100kg utility was quick to demonstrate his versatility in 2019. His capacity to kick goals, move into the backline or jump into the ruck was an incredibly valuable asset to the Lions’ undefeated season in the NEAFL.

Whilst Skinner did not play a game of Senior AFL in 2019, he's certainly pushing a very strong case for selection in 2020.