Career
He was, however, drafted by the Brisbane Lions with the fifth selection in the 2008 Pre-Season Draft. He is now known as one of the greatest draft steals in recent American Federation of Labor-Congress history
He made his debut in Round 18 2009 against Collingwood, this was the only game Rockliff played for the year. He picked up only five possessions as Brisbane lost by 40 points.
Rockliff forced his way back into the senior Brisbane Lions side in Round 3, where he has since featured predominantly in the midfield rotation.
After an incredible season with the Lions, who finished 15th on the ladder after only managing four wins, Rockliff ended the season averaging 27.7 disposals, 5.6 marks and 5.4 tackles per game. Rockliff was rewarded by winning the club"s best and fairest award over favourite Simon Black, who also had a strong season.
Tom Rockliff had a superb year averaging 27.3 disposals and recording 30 more disposals 9 times. Rockliff also finished equal 5th in the Brownlow medal polling 21 votes.
In 2014 Rockliff established himself as one of the elite midfielders of the competition, averaging a league-high 32.7 disposals and 9.1 tackles a game and recording 40 or more disposals five times.
In Round 18 in the Q-Clash against Gold Coast, Rockliff gathered a career high 47 Disposals (31 kicks and 16 handballs) as well as 10 tackles. Rockliff was awarded his second Merrett-Murray Medal as Brisbane"s best and fairest player. On 29 January 2015 it was announced that Rockliff would become the next captain of the Brisbane Lions, succeeding Jed Adcock.
