Lions development coach Paul Henriksen, a former Terang College teacher, hailed Camperdown's Cedric Cox and Mortlake's Lewis Taylor for their efforts in Sunday's NEAFL decider.

Cox slotted a game-high four majors and Taylor three to cap a 30-disposal masterclass in the 76-rout of Southport.

Henriksen, who inked a two-year extension to remain at Brisbane last week, praised the duo's attitude.

"They've both had their challenges throughout the year, but they've carried themselves very well," the former Victoria Country under 18 mentor said.

"They've gathered the ability to provide leadership - particularly Lewy. He's still quite young himself, but he's an experienced player.

"Our effort on Sunday was as good a performance as we've put in all season."

Lions players will learn of their futures at exit meetings on Wednesday and Thursday.

Taylor is out of contract and his future is unclear.

Henriksen said Cox would benefit from a strong pre-season after glimpses of brilliance in 2019.

Henriksen, who juggles duties with the Lions' NEAFL and AFL outfits, is relishing the chance to learn under third-year mentor Chris Fagan.

He said the much-improved Lions, who are brimming with former Hampden league talent, were well-positioned for success in coming years.

Brisbane finished second in the home-and-away season but was eliminated from finals in straight sets after losing to Richmond and the Leon Cameron-coached GWS Giants.

"I think it was really important that even when we weren't winning that it was a nice place to come to work," Henriksen said.

"I think the group is getting the fruit from that attitude now. They're eager, smiling and very close knit.

"The club is a family for a lot of the guys, particularly those from interstate.

"I think if you look at the Lachie Neale situation, where he basically said 'I love what you're doing and want to come to your club', it sums it up.

"It's great people want to come and improve their footy. It's a (rugby league) city so it's out of the limelight a bit and you look outside and it's 28 degrees and sunny."

Henriksen said South Warrnambool product Hugh McCluggage, who made the initial 40-man All Australian squad in August, was one of the Lions' brightest lights.

"You could see he was one of the driving factors for us against GWS on Saturday night," he said.

"His development and maturity are outstanding and he's held in very high regard around the club."

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