How times have changed at the Brisbane Lions.
Twelve months after offering a meek challenge in his first game at the helm, Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch will come out with all guns blazing in Saturday's NAB Challenge clash with St Kilda on the Sunshine Coast.
And Leppitsch hopes it provides a positive sign of things to come in 2015 for his rebuilding AFL team.
Alarm bells were ringing from the outset for the Lions in 2014 after Leppitsch fielded his youngest possible team in his first match.
Brisbane were spanked by 131 points by Hawthorn - and things never really turned around for the hapless Lions who finished fourth last.
Fast forward a year and Leppitsch's outlook could not be more different.
The second-year mentor is aiming for a "big win" against the Saints at Burpengary after thrusting new recruits Dayne Beams and Mitch Robinson into a near full-strength line-up that also welcomes back Daniel Rich, Matthew Leuenberger and Jack Redden from long-term injuries.
"We need continuity and performance with our players, particularly with our midfield that haven't played together a lot," he said.
"What we want to see is everything we've tried to implement (is) done well and have a big win.
"I think that's what you're trying to do every week.
"Given the fact we've got our best team in, we'd expect a pretty good performance as long as our players' attitude is right."
Brisbane's stellar off-season recruitment drive will ensure plenty of attention will be on their new-look mid-field.
However, Leppitsch may be more concerned about their forward line as Brisbane officially begin life after retired champion Jonathan Brown.
Brent Staker and Luke McGuane - who were limited to a total of two games last year due to injury - will feature along with youngsters Michael Close and Daniel McStay.
"We're still unsure of our forward mix, that's for sure," Leppitsch said.
"There's a month for us to make that first decision of who plays against Collingwood (round one) and I guess it's up to the players to decide who takes that role."
Ruckman Stefan Martin will be rested on Saturday along with Geelong recruit Allen Christensen (back) who is expected to make his Lions debut next week against Sydney.
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