Assistant Coach Murray Davis says the emergence of some young defenders has helped better balance the Brisbane Lions’ backline.

In the first instalment of LIONS TV’s Vero Season Wrap, Davis reflects on how the Lions’ defensive group functioned throughout 2013.

“I think we had a really good mix of experience and development players in our back six,” Davis said.

“We had (Joel) Patfull, (Daniel) Merrett, (Jed) Adcock, and (Matt) Maguire, but also had some really exciting young talent come through – including (Sam) Docherty, (Ryan) Harwood, (Elliot) Yeo, (Mitch) Golby, and we’ve seen Justin Clarke make the step up from being a rookie.

“We had a good blend, which was exciting and a good insight into our future back six.”

Davis listed Booleroo product Clarke as the ‘standout’ among the developing backmen, and also praised two-time Club Champion Joel Patfull for another supremely consistent season.

“I think (Patfull) still improved on his season last year (when he won the Merrett-Murray Medal), and was able to go back-to-back,” Davis said.

“The way he approached the pre-season, it’s no fluke that he had the year he did.

“We were a bit surprised that he wasn’t included in the (All-Australian) squad of 40 because we believe he’s one of the elite defenders in the competition.”

Davis expects there will be plenty more improvement in the backline from 2014 and beyond.

“Guys like Mitch Golby and Ryan Harwood are entering their fifth season of AFL football and around that 40-50 game mark,” Davis said.

“I think they’re two players that we’ll hopefully see take their game to another level.”