JUSTIN Leppitsch says the Brisbane Lions have a lot of areas to improve to match Geelong on Sunday, describing last week's ill-discipline against North Melbourne as "ridiculous".
The Lions botched their chances in front of goal – kicking 11.17, many of them gettable set shots – and were thrashed in contested possessions 145-111.
But of equal concern to the Lions coach was the five goals they gift-wrapped the Kangaroos with free kicks.
It continues an astonishing run of ill-discipline from the Lions, who have finished in the top three for free kicks against the past four seasons.
"Five goals six (behinds) from the umpire's whistle last week, that's too high, that's the highest number in 10 years. That's ridiculous," Leppitsch said.
"We've got a lot of work to do to make sure we don't give away free kicks, particularly in our defensive 50. That's an extremely high number.
"If you rush in too hard and throw your arms around and don't get your technique right, you're going to give away free kicks, so we've got to get better in that area."
It was the senior statesmen of the young Lions outfit that offended worst, with Daniel Merrett (four), Tom Rockliff (four) and Pearce Hanley (three) conceding the most frees.
Leppitsch said the primary focus heading into playing the Cats was improving its contested ball numbers.
The Lions have also done plenty of work on goalkicking after last week's sloppy performance.
"Our contested ball is something we have to work on. We have to at least match Geelong in that area for us to get our game up and going," he said.
"We're scoring well, even with the poor contested ball tally we've had the last couple of weeks.
"Unless that figure tidies up, we know as a footy club we're not going to bridge the gap any quicker, so we've been focusing on that this week."
Leppitsch said Daniel Rich (hamstring) was likely to play, while Mitch Robinson (calf) would have to pass one final fitness test to resume his place after missing last week.
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