This season highlighted the 28-year-old’s ability to play all over the ground, dangerous up forward and strong down in defence.
Round 11 against Melbourne typified the veteran's new role, one to be considered the “jack of all trades” at the club.
In the Magpies 21 point win over the Demons, Lockyer had 20 disposals, 17 kicks, five marks and kicked two goals.
A breakdown of his statistics in the win illustrates his ability to cover and play in different positions over the course of a game.
Possession breakdown
Five possessions in the forward 50
Eight possessions in the midfield
Seven possessions in the defensive 50
Key play (Round 11 versus Melbourne)
CTV> Watch Tarkyn Lockyer play his versatile role for the club
With five minutes left in the third quarter, Lockyer pushed back in defence to help the team hold on to a 25 point lead.
One minute later, when the Magpies were playing off a turnover, Lockyer ran forward unmarked.
A long inside-50 pass delivered by Medhurst was crumbed by Lockyer on his back and kicked a goal over his head to effectively seal the game.
Melbourne came out of the next centre bounce looking for a quick response to close the deficit.
Lockyer pushed back to bolster the defensive stocks and provide some guidance to his young teammates.
A kick out with 90 seconds remaining in the quarter to an unmarked Dale Thomas saw the ball push to the other end of the ground.
Melbourne surged one final time in the third and Lockyer was again positioned in defence stopping Colin Sylvia from kicking a much needed Melbourne goal.
Lockyer turns 29 this month and will be a crucial figure in determining the success of the team next season.