Brisbane forward Lewis Taylor has bounced back from a tough 2016

IN a season of across the board improvement at the Lions, Lewis Taylor may sit at the top of the heap. But how has he managed to turn his form around so quickly?

IN a season of across the board improvement at the Lions, Lewey Taylor may sit at the top of the heap.

Last season was an indifferent one for Taylor — he endured a form slump, was dropped for the first time in his career and was locked in tense year-long contract negotiations with the Lions.

It ended on a positive note with him signing a three-year deal and it has proven to be beneficial for both parties.

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This week he was named as a forward in the 40-man under-22 squad that will be trimmed to 22 in the AFL Players Association’s All Star side for the competition’s rising stars.

Under new coach Chris Fagan, Taylor is playing more directly which is making his possessions more damaging and he is spending time further up the field, which has led to an increased possession count.

Lewis Taylor has turned his form around. Picture: Getty Images

But the statistics that demonstrate the greatest improvement are tackles and contested possessions, which are both well up on last year.

Taylor says Fagan’s arrival has had a major impact.

“We all sat down individually with Fages at the start of the year and mine was a great meeting that really set me up to crack in for a good year,’’ he said.

“He has been really helpful but his positivity is the main thing for me.’’

The most noticeable aspect of the Lions this year has been their ability to trouble oppositions with quick ball movement and foot speed and Taylor is one of their chief weapons.

That pace is set to trouble the Kangaroos at the Gabba on Saturday in the match that will decide the wooden spoon.

Taylor said the positive new vibe at the Gabba this season had created a desperation to finish the season on a high.

“This year has been really enjoyable, we obviously have a big game this week, there is a bit to play for to get off the bottom of the ladder,’’ he said.

“It might not seem like much to other people but to us it does.’’

While all the talk around the Lions has been their attack, they are becoming harder to score against and have even introduced a zone defence over the second half of the season.

“We are playing a brand of footy that challenges a lot of sides,’’ he said.

“The team defence is a work in progress and we will continue to work on it because we believe it is the style that will take us forward.’’

Lewis Taylor in action for the Lions. Picture: Getty Images

Gold Coast’s match against Port Adelaide could also have some bearing on where the Lions finish.

Interim coach Dean Solomon said Gary Ablett was likely to play, having suited up for just two of the past nine games with a combination of hamstring and calf injuries.

“(He’s a) massive chance,” Solomon said.

“If he pulls up well Friday, green light.”

Ablett was named in the Gold Coast team.