Brisbane midfielder Tom Rockliff has been rewarded for consistent good form during the Lions' slump with an AFL Rising Star nomination.

The 20-year-old, who made his debut in round 18 last year, has played 10 games this season.

He has averaged more than 27 disposals per game over the past four matches, including 26 touches and a goal against Richmond last round.

Rockliff's run of good form comes at a time when the Lions have lost eight of their past nine matches, with the youngster having experienced just three wins in his 11 AFL games.

Coach Michael Voss said Rockliff had made himself an important part of the side.

"I categorically believe that he is one of the smartest footballers we've got," Voss said.

"There aren't too many other players who have as good an understanding of the game as he does.

"He picks up concepts really quickly and has been important for us over the past month."

Rockliff, from Benalla in country Victoria, was picked up by the Lions with the No.5 pick in the 2008 pre-season draft, after being surprisingly overlooked by all clubs in that year's national draft.

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