Past Tom Rockliff (2008-2017)

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Will they stay or go? Tracking the free agents

Restricted - The former Lions captain was happy to delay talks on his future earlier this season after being put up for trade – and overlooked by rival clubs – last year. But according to Brisbane CEO Greg Swann, he recently told the club he wants to stay. Rockliff started 2017 in impressive form before his round eight shoulder injury, averaging more than 30 possessions and eight tackles a game, while his attitude around the club has impressed new coach Chris Fagan and his staff. The midfielder has not actively courted opposition interest, but he'll have suitors if he remains uncontracted deep into the season.

 

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Meanwhile, Lions vice-captain Tom Rockliff spent extended periods on the bench in the second half. It is unclear whether that was due to a groin problem.

 

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Cheeky Clarko interrupts mate’s radio interview

The priority pick wasn’t the only topic raised during the interview Fagan, who threw his support behind ball magnet Tom Rockliff. After losing the captaincy at the start of the year, Rockliff has bounced back to average 28.2 disposals and a career-high 8.6 clearances per game. However the 27-year-old remains out of contract.

“I want Tom to play (on with us). He’s in negotiations and I’m pretty sure he wants to as well,” Fagan said. “He has been great, I must say.”

 

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‘I’ve always wondered why they ever bother’

Former captain Tom Rockliff was among the Lions’ better players, as he continued his excellent 2017 campaign where he is averaging 28.1 disposals, 13 contested possessions and a career-high 8.2 clearances.

After failing to find a new AFL home during last year’s exchange period, Rockliff has been embraced by Fagan and has been able to “shine” under the new Lions coach. “I wanted to judge Tommy on how he was from the moment I turned up. I knew about all the stories, so he and I had an honest chat about that. He ticked off on some and didn’t agree with others,” Fagan said.

Chris Fagan celebrates with Tom Rockliff (centre) and Dayne Zorko of the Lions.Source:Getty Images

“I think the support we’ve put in around the leadership group this year has been helpful to him. We’ve had Simon Fletcher and Ray McLean from Leading Teams, they’ve set up a good structure for us. I think people like Tommy, who’s a pretty open and honest bloke, actually fits into that system really well and he’s been able to shine. His form’s been outstanding.”

 

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Tom Rockliff's Brisbane contract in flux, lauds 'super' Lion cubs

Tom Rockliff's playing future with the Brisbane Lions is still being worked through, according to the star midfielder. Speaking after the Lions' upset win over Essendon on Sunday, the 27-year-old said he was leaving it to others to worry about his contract.

Rockliff's three-year deal expires at the end of this season. Negotiations on 2018 and beyond have been ongoing since May. "It is still in the pipelines, I haven't really worried about it too much, I'm just happy to be playing good footy," Rockliff said.

Tom Rockliff celebrates Sunday's win over Essendon with coach Chris Fagan. Photo: Adam Trafford/AFL Media
At the end of the 2016 season speculation was rife that Rockliff would be traded to a Victorian club and he was replaced as captain by Dayne Beams for the 2017 season. Speculation on his future and losing the captaincy haven't taken a toll on Rockliff's form, though. Despite being injured between rounds eight and 11 he has been in sparkling touch.

Rockliff was important for the Lions on Sunday, gathering 27 disposals, five clearances and six tackles. The Lions trailed a sloppy Essendon by 19 points at three-quarter-time and then 27 points early the last quarter. However they stormed home to win by eight points.

Rockliff celebrates the win over Essendon with Lions' fans at Etihad Stadium. Photo: AAP/Julian Smith
Dayne Zorko and Lewis Taylor joined Rockliff in helping drag the Lions over the line, but just as significant were wonderful performances from young Lions Alex Witherden, Eric Hipwood, Tom Cutler and Sam Mayes. "We have super talent," Rockliff said. "Look at Alex Witherden in his second game, he isn't afraid to take the game on and he will continue to get better.

"Eric Hipwood, in his second year, he is doing a big job as a key forward. Rhys Mathieson as a second-year payer as well, Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry playing important roles. "We have so many young boys coming through and to have an experience like that was quite uplifting."

After the match Lions' coach Chris Fagan revealed that Witherden had endured the death of a close family member in the lead up to the game, and that he had to fly to Melbourne for the funeral, back to Brisbane for training and then back to Melbourne for the game in the same week.

Rockliff said that Brisbane's ability to wrestle back clearance and contested football initiative from Essendon in the final quarter was one of the reasons behind the stunning victory. "He [Fagan] told us at three-quarter-time the game was there to be won if we want to put our foot down and take Essendon on," Rockliff said.

"It is good to see my teammates get reward for the effort. Probably more so for the mid-to-older guys that have been here and done it tough for a few years. So to get a win like that on the road is really encouraging.

"It was an outstanding effort across the board. We had everyone contribute and losing Darcy [Gardiner] to injury early hurt us but we threw a few things around, like Walks [Josh Walker] going back, that really helped us as well."

 

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Family the priority for Rockliff

Restricted free agent Tom Rockliff says his family will be his top priority when making a decision on his future later this year. In a rare interview given in 2017, the Brisbane Lions vice-captain told AFL.com.au he was "back to enjoying footy", but had a lot to weigh up in the coming months.

Rockliff, 27, is two months from becoming a father for the first time with his partner Sharna, and said the welfare of all three would take priority. "In the past I've let it weigh me down and get to me, contract negotiations, but this year I haven't really thought about it," Rockliff said. "The most important factor for me is going to be my family, and what's most important for me, Sharna and the young fella when he comes out. "That's a selfish way to look at it, but I think you've got to do what's right for yourself. "It's also what's best for the footy club – who knows what they want?"

Rockliff was full of praise for Lions coach Chris Fagan, saying tough conversations had during the pre-season were exactly what he needed. "I'm in a really good place," he said. "Fatherhood being not far away now has made me mature and gave me perspective on life. "I've got back to enjoying footy, and 'Fages' has allowed me to do that."

 

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Door open for Rockliff to leave Lions

BRISBANE free-agent midfielder Tom Rockliff is leaving the door open for a significant offer from Adelaide by not committing himself to the Lions. Rockliff, 27, says he will put his interests — and those of his expanding family — before football loyalties. Port Adelaide already has measured Rockliff’s interest in a change of AFL clubs by meeting his manager Tom Petroro during the AFL mid-season break.

Adelaide is expected to win any auction for Rockliff’s free-agency signature in a play that would cost the Crows no more than salary cap space — and answer the club’s deep needs for midfield support to vice-captain and All-Australian Rory Sloane. Rockliff also has revealed he is not sure he is part of Brisbane’s long-term plans as the Lions eye the value of moving senior players to gain valued draft picks to keep Queensland academy prospects.

In an interview with the AFL, Rockliff says he has put off contract talks with the Lions because it is “best for the footy club”. “(And) who knows what they want?,” Rockliff said. Of his impending decision on how to use his free-agency card, Rockliff says: “In the past I’ve let it weigh me down and get to me, contract negotiations, but this year I haven’t really thought about it,.

“The most important factor for me is going to be my family, and what’s most important for me, (partner) Sharna and the young fella when he comes out. “That’s a selfish way to look at it, but I think you’ve got to do what’s right for yourself.” Rockliff, an All-Australian and Brisbane club champion in 2014, has played 146 AFL games in nine seasons with the Lions.

 

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INSIDE THE LIONS' DEN

Fagan came to the club with a blank canvas when it came to his new players, but the most excruciating decision came relatively early in his tenure.

Tom Rockliff had captained the group for two seasons, but relinquished the captaincy as Dayne Beams was appointed to lead the club in 2017. Rather than sulk, Rockliff came back to club in elite condition and performed perhaps his most notable act of leadership behind closed doors.

A close friend of both Pearce and Cian Hanley, Rockliff played a supportive hand as the brothers dealt with the toughest moment of their young lives, as Crowell explains. “Many people would have known about the Cian and Pearce Hanley situation with their younger brother passing away. Tom took a real leadership role there — he was our go-to person in terms of bouncing off ideas related to how we should talk to the players and also a lot of support to the Hanley family. He’s a great fella and he has learnt a lot in the last couple of years.”

 

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The Lions are taking Rocky road to a rebuild

There’s still plenty of talk on Tom Rockliff going to Adelaide but the chances of it happening have been shuffled down as the Crows wait to see how other options unfold.

There’s the move on Jacob Hopper and they’ve still got interest in Bryce Gibbs, who is definitely not ruling out heading home despite having two years left on his contract at the seemingly improving Blues.

Brisbane is putting a new offer to Rocky, big enough to make sure that if he is to be lost then the AFL will need to supply suitable compensation, but not so big as to scare off the suitors.

A 27-year-old, two-time best and fairest winner, All-Australian, former captain on top dollars has to be worth a first-round compo pick, and suddenly the Lions are right back in the game.

 

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WHO THE SWANS SHOULD TARGET

Lion Tom Rockliff would be of interest to the Swans to replace the likes of Jack who is getting towards the end of his career. He is a clearance specialist with a big body and would slot in seamlessly and be a real weapon because of the style Sydney play.

 

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But Zorko wasn’t alone — and he was duly supported by Brisbane’s other experienced heads. In a young side, leaders needed to stand up. And that they did.

Lions captain Dayne Beams had 30 disposals, 10 marks and kicked three goals, while former captain Tom Rockliff did a number on Carlton gun Bryce Gibbs.
In All-Australian form this season, Gibbs was held to just eight disposals and had no impact on the match.

“He’s obviously been an outstanding player for a number of years and he’s been setting them up, so it felt like if we could get on top of him in that area it would give us a chance to win,” Rockliff told Fox Footy. “Credit to the boys. They helped me out a lot tonight. It was a team effort on him and we got the job done.”

 

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Rocky will notch his 150th game next week and automatic qualification as a Lions Life Member.

 

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Fantasy form watch: Pigs shouldn't be allowed to tag

Rage trades
What were the Lions coaching staff thinking? Don't they know who Tom Rockliff is? If there isn't a rule about Pigs not being used as taggers, there should be. Since going down with a shoulder injury, Rocky hasn't been his high scoring self, but to see him playing a run with role doesn't sit well from a Fantasy coach's perspective. Worst part is, he did an awesome job, so will probably have to do it again next week. Let the Pig run free! On a positive note, he will be cheap next year.

 

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UNSUNG HEROES — ROUND 18

Brisbane: Tom Rockliff

He was named as the one of the Lions’ best but former skipper Tom Rockliff deserves all the praise he gets for his selfless and equally vital display against the Blues. Rockliff collected only 10 disposals and five tackles but tagged Byrce Gibbs, keeping the in-form Carlton star to eight touches and curbing his influence for the entirety of the game.

 

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Five talking points: Brisbane Lions v Carlton

2. Brisbane Lions hang on in the battle of the rebuild
The Lions, sensing a rare win, came out firing against Carlton. With both teams sitting on the bottom rungs of the ladder, it was the Lion cubs who overran the Blues on their home turf. They were full of run in the opening half, scything through Carlton's usually disciplined and stingy defence to have 71 on the board by half time. But the Blues have won fans all year with their fighting spirit, and scared many Lions fans desperate for a win with a second-half comeback. Led by some wins out of the centre, they cut the Lions' lead from 56 to just 11 points in the fourth quarter, before the home side steadied to eventually win by 30. The final score of 112 was the Brisbane Lions' highest score of the season.

 

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Lester urges good mate Rocky to stay at rising Lions

BRISBANE Lions leader Ryan Lester has urged free agent Tom Rockliff to stick around at the Gabba, saying the club is in its best position in five years. Lester was instrumental in Sunday's win over Carlton, and said the crop of exciting young players should encourage Rockliff to commit beyond 2017.

Rockliff recently told AFL.com.au he was still a long way off making a decision on his future, and would put his family first. Lester hopes that means staying in Brisbane.

"He's one of my close mates," Lester said. "I know he's certainly enjoying his time under Fages (coach Chris Fagan) and (football manager) David Noble, and same as all of us leaders, we're seeing real positives in lots of the young guys. "I really think the club's in the best shape it's been in for four or five years now, so I don't see why he'd leave."

Vice-captain Rockliff was one to have a huge influence, keeping Bryce Gibbs to just eight disposals, playing a rare run-with role. Fagan lauded the ball magnet's "selfless" attitude post-match, and Lester agreed.

"Rocky had been quiet for a couple of weeks and it was seen as a way for him to get himself back into a bit of form," he said. "As Fages spoke about, Rocky didn't get a lot of the ball but he negated Gibbs' influence on the game. "He's had a really really good year Rocky and he's very well liked and well respected around the club."

Well said Ryan.

 

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Not sure if it's already known, but Caro just confirmed the club started contract talks with Rocky once again last week.

 

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Team of the week, R18

Interchange - TOM ROCKLIFF (Brisbane Lions): Tagging was the duty for Rockliff and he limited one of the few Blues midfielders left standing, holding Bryce Gibbs to one first-half disposal and just eight for the match.

 

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With Beams promoted to captain, fellow midfielder Tom Rockliff was demoted to vice-captain.While Rockliff is out of contract at the end of the season, Beams said he “desperately” wanted the former captain to stay at Brisbane.

“He’s a very good footballer. Tom’s had a great year, he’s had a few issues with his shoulder of late but up until he got injured he was the leading clearance player in the competition,” Beams said. “So when you’ve got someone like that and then you combine them with a Rhys Mathieson, a Hugh McCluggage, a Jarrod Berry — they’re guys that are vital to your growth and the development of the younger guys. “So we desperately want Tom to stay — obviously it’s out of our control but as the captain of the footy club I’d love him to stay because he’s so important for these younger guys to rise up.”

 

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Finally...life member of the club; great achievement Rocky.

 

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Lions set for at least five changes next week

Teammate Tom Rockliff also appeared slightly hampered by the shoulder injury which sidelined him for two matches earlier this season but didn’t receive any medical attention throughout the afternoon.

Fagan said the pair were not 100 per cent fit, but had passed all the requisite medical assessments to play.

 

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Five talking points: West Coast v Brisbane Lions

2. The Lions need Rockliff back in ball-winning form
Following last week’s blanket job on in-form Blues star Bryce Gibbs, talk circled of Tom Rockliff repeating the dose on one of West Coast’s most damaging midfielders. But with Dayne Zorko missing through suspension, Rockliff was unleashed at stoppages and showed glimpses of a return to form. Prior to injury in round eight, the 27-year-old was in damaging touch, averaging 30 disposals, 8.2 tackles, 5.9 marks and 10 clearances a match. But since popping his shoulder in the dying stages of the Lions' clash with Hawthorn in Launceston, the former skipper has tallied just 20.3 possessions, four tackles, five marks and 4.3 clearances in seven matches playing predominantly as an outside midfielder. On Sunday Rockliff seemed to spend more time at stoppages (five clearances and nine tackles) and pushed forward to become and attacking threat. But his disposal numbers (18) remain down as he battled to find space on the outside. With so many developing midfielders on their list, the Lions need Rockliff to lead by example and will be hoping he returns to his prolific best sooner rather than later.

 

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Port Adelaide emerges as a frontrunner for Brisbane Lions free agent midfielder Tom Rockliff

PORT Adelaide has emerged as a frontrunner to secure out of contract Brisbane midfielder Tom Rockliff.
Rockliff is yet to re-sign with the Lions and foxfooty.com.au understands the Power have recently upped the ante in their pursuit of the dual best and fairest winner. Rockliff is a restricted free agent at the end of the season, meaning the Lions can match any offer.

Port Adelaide is one of several clubs that have been in regular contact with Rockliff’s management this year, but only recently has its list management team begun to seriously consider making a big play for him.

This time last year Port was outside the top eight and in a state of flux. But they have turned their form around this season and are in the hunt for a flag, prompting Rockliff — who will be 28 by the time Round 1 arrives next year — to emerge as a potential target for them.

The Lions proposals so far are believed to be well below what a player of Rockliff’s stature would demand from a rival club. The question Port Adelaide is currently contemplating is whether he is worth the asking price. Increasingly, the club is leaning towards yes without a firm commitment either way.

In May he instructed his management to re-open contract discussions with Brisbane, but last month put off talks because it was “best for the footy club.”

However it is understood dialogue between Brisbane and Rockliff’s management has recommenced in recent days, although even if he decides to stay, it’s unlikely that decision will be made before the end of the season.

Port’s growing interest for the 2014 All-Australian could create an October scenario where both South Australian clubs are trying to lure Rockliff. Like the Power, the Crows see Rockliff as one of their primary off-season priorities but whether they have the financial wriggle room to outbid Ken Hinkley’s men is less clear.

Adelaide must also consider how to hold onto in-demand youngsters Jake Lever and Mitch McGovern, who are both receiving interest from interstate clubs and are out of contract at the end of the season.

Adelaide was keen on Rockliff last season but cooled around the time of the trade period, prompting him to sign on for 2017 and return to training with renewed vigour, despite losing the captaincy to Dayne Beams.

“The most important factor for me is going to be my family, and what’s most important for me, (partner) Sharna and the young fella when he comes out,” Rockliff told AFL Media last month. “That’s a selfish way to look at it, but I think you’ve got to do what’s right for yourself … (and) who knows what they (Brisbane) want?”

If the midfielder departs then Brisbane will be granted draft compensation that would further aid their rebuild. If they finish bottom and Rockliff leaves for a hefty sum, the Lions could have as many as four first-round draft picks in November. In part, that could explain the club’s seemingly luke warm approach to offering him a juicy contract.

Rockliff’s form has remained strong this season, averaging 25 disposals per outing.

 

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AFL Trade Rumours: Tom Rockliff

It’s a bit hard to picture Tom Rockliff not wearing a Brisbane guernsey – but it’s a sight we may have to get used to in 2018. On Monday the rumour broke that Port Adelaide are leading the race for the signature of the former Lions captain, who is a restricted free agent.

Rockliff considered his trade options last year but ultimately didn’t find a new home – certainly, clubs would’ve been a bit sceptical about him. Being able to sign him as a free agent, rather than trade for him, is a much more appealing prospect, and his solid form this season sells him well. It’s being said that the contract offers Rockliff is getting from the Lions are well below what he could expect to earn elsewhere.

Rockliff has publicly said that a decision will be made based on what’s best for his family, so a significant financial difference is every chance of swaying him. What it all seems to be pointing to is that he won’t be at Brisbane in 2018 – the club would probably rather have the free agency compensation pick (likely pick 19 or 20), and he’s smart enough to know which way the wind is blowing.

Will he land at Port Adelaide, or will another suitor emerge? Only time will tell. Rockliff isn’t the only free agent Port Adelaide have been linked with recently though. They’re also said to be interested in the services of Steven Motlop, who looks likely to leave Geelong. Similarly to Rockliff, Motlop was thrown up in trade talks last year but couldn’t find a home. He’s much more appealing as a free agent than as someone you’d have to trade something for – and was reportedly on a large contract.