Rockliff was overlooked at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, but was given the last spot on the Lions’ regular list when they took him in the pre-season draft. His steady improvement since then has culminated in a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
Rockliff was one of few shining lights for the Lions in their 19-point round 13 loss to Richmond, gathering 26 disposals. The display capped off a remarkable month where he has averaged 27.5 possessions a match.
The 21-year-old said he never thought of himself as the last one picked by the Lions.
“Once you get to the footy club, everyone’s on a level playing field," Rockliff told afl.com.au.
"I had a lot of work to do on my fitness, but I didn’t feel that I was coming from any further back than anyone else or any other first-year players. It’s always going to be hard work, and it’s always going to be hard work to consistently play good senior footy. It’s never really easier.”
Rockliff made his debut last year against Collingwood in a match that was unremarkable in the sense that he had just five touches in a 40-point loss. But he says that glimpse into footy at the top level was a key reason for his solid 2010 campaign.
“It had a massive impact, that first game against Collingwood. The speed and tempo were so much quicker than what I expected," he said.
"I knew it would be a lot quicker than anything I’d played before, but it was so much quicker down there. I knew I had to get my fitness levels up over the break to make sure I came back in good shape and have a big pre-season.”
Rockliff says he is becoming more comfortable with playing at AFL level, but he is far from complacent.
“I’m getting used to the tempo a little more the more I play. I don’t think I’m used to the speed or feel like I’m safe in the senior team. We need pressure from underneath in our reserves, and we need to move forward as a footy club now,” he said.
“We’re in a bit of a down patch, but I don’t think you ever really feel safe. When the selection table comes out each week, I still have all my fingers crossed that I get picked and hopefully get another game.”
Rockliff grew up in Benalla in country Victoria, but doesn’t seem to have suffered any homesickness that often affects young footballers. In fact, he chose to forego a chance to return home during the recent mid-season break.
“It’s good to be up here, and when I get back to Victoria, it’s quite cold. I’m not missing the Victorian weather at all. I was down on the Gold Coast for a couple of days,” he said.
“I’ve done a bit of flying this year, so I thought it would be good to chill out and hang around home.”
