AFL Lions finally ready to play: Rockliff

Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff says the Lions finally look set to make a statement ahead of Sunday's final NAB Challenge clash with GWS on the Gold Coast.

Tom Rockliff of Brisbane

Not only is Tom Rockliff confident he will be ready for their AFL season opener. (AAP)

Not only is Tom Rockliff confident he will be ready for their AFL season opener.

The Brisbane captain is certain his Lions team will finally be ready too.

Rockliff (hamstring) has pulled out of Sunday's final NAB Challenge pre-season clash with Greater Western Sydney on the Gold Coast.

It ensures he will lob for the 2016 season proper without a pre-season clash under his belt.

But Rockliff has backed himself to hit the ground running this season against the West Coast on March 27.

And it seems the once mighty Lions at last also appear primed.

Rockliff said his rebuilding Brisbane team finally seem settled after recently re-signed coach Justin Leppitsch turned over 34 players from the senior list in three years.

Ten players have now re-signed in the past six months with Daniel Rich and Josh Green expected to follow.

In all a dozen of Brisbane's first choice 22 are now signed until 2018 and beyond.

"Look at the players who have re-signed and there is only one or two left and they will get done soon by all reports," Rockliff said.

"We are really stable now.

"Leppa has brought the team around him."

Rockliff said it augured well for not only a rare successful season for the Lions - but maybe even the first step toward a repeat of their glory days.

"It's been a tough period for us," Rockliff said of three-time premiers Brisbane who last made the AFL finals in 2009.

"We are recovering from past mistakes the club has made.

"I have been here eight years. But I believe my best years are ahead of me.

"And the way this group is developing I am excited for the future."

Rockliff seemed unfazed that the best result Brisbane had registered since their last finals appearance was 12th in 2013.

"I know we are two or three years away from really having a crack at holding up that cup," he said.

"But we want sustained success. We want to stay up there.

"We want an empire up here in Queensland again."

Mitch Robinson, Dayne Zorko and Pearce Hanley are back for Brisbane against the GWS.

The Giants hope ruckman Shane Mumford will recover from an ankle injury in time and play.


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Source: AAP



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