WHEN Hugh McCluggage cruised past Dan McStay for a handball receive last Saturday and expertly slotted a goal on the run from 40m, it was the latest example of the huge step forward the young Brisbane midfielder has taken in 2019. 

Taken with the third pick in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, McCluggage had progressed nicely in his first two years with the Lions, playing 40 games and averaging 18 disposals.

'EVERY GAME COUNTS' Rejuvenated Lion not taking anything for granted

But this season he's in the midst of making the jump from potential to performance, from good midfielder to elite.

Ahead of Sunday's game against Melbourne, the 21-year-old has played all 13 games, averaged 22 touches and most impressively kicked 15 goals.

That last number is the eye-catching one for a man that spends most of his time in the midfield or on a wing.

Alongside superstars Patrick Dangerfield and Dustin Martin, McCluggage is one of just 10 players in the competition to average 20 touches and a goal a game.

It's a huge improvement after kicking 18.24 in his first two seasons.

"The last couple of years I've had the shots, but I haven't been kicking them," McCluggage told AFL.com.au.

"Obviously I've had a few more this year but it comes with, one, the ability to get to more contests, and two, the ability to finish off my work.

"You get to know when you can sniff out an opportunity and also you earn the trust of your teammates.

"Look at 'Zorks', if he's running past nearly everyone gives it to him because they know he's going to make the right decision.

"The first couple of years I was trying to earn that and this year the boys give it to me a little more, which is nice."

Aside from his finishing, McCluggage is displaying plenty of other traits that had him so highly regarded in his draft year, most noticeably his composure and clear decision-making with the ball.

The Victorian says he's learnt plenty from skipper Dayne Zorko and Fremantle recruit Lachie Neale this year, but has a long way to go to reach the top midfield shelf.

"I try and look at Zorks for his pressure.

"He's a very different player to me … but I look at the way that, no matter what the situation, no matter how far a bloke is away from him, he puts in a chase and he might not even touch him, but it's that perceived pressure that makes him rush a kick.

"With 'Lach' it's staying around the contest and making sure you're not leaving early, because that gives your opponent a chance to win the ball.

"What I hold myself to is constant improvement.

"To be one of the best midfielders you've got to have a well-rounded game.

"I've still got plenty of work to do with my pressure … and also being able to stay in games is an improvement for me. I might have a couple of good quarters but then fall out for a patch.

"That's what I'm striving towards."

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