Matthew Leuenberger’s imminent return will present Brisbane Lions Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch with his “first good problem” of the season.

In the absence of injured pair Leuenberger and Trent West, Stefan Martin has emerged as one of the competition’s best big men, and seems to be relishing his extra ruck responsibility.

In his seven matches this season, Martin has averaged 19.4 disposals and 30.7 hitouts to become one of the team’s key weapons.

What looked to be an area of vulnerability for the Lions two months ago, has suddenly turned into a wealth of riches.

Martin told SEN Radio in Melbourne on Monday that it remains to be seen how his role might change when Leuenberger eventually returns.

“You might have to get Justin Leppitsch on the line and ask him,” Martin said.

“Who knows? Hopefully we can both rotate through the forward line and get a good partnership going.

“He’s definitely got the potential to play forward, and I’d like to think I’d be a better forward now than I have been previously.”

At 28, Martin seems to have reached career-best form, and said he’s enjoyed the challenge shouldering the Lions’ ruck load.

“If I look at my career to date, (the ruck) is where I’ve probably played my best footy,” Martin said.

“Athletically, my attributes suit playing in the midfield pretty well. I feel comfortable there and like getting involved a lot.”

Martin, who is set to face-off against his old side Melbourne for the first time this Sunday, said he’s incredibly excited about where the Lions’ future is headed.

“When we talk to each other about the playing group, we’re pretty excited. We feel like we’ve got a lot of weapons, and a lot of the young boys are having an impact,” he said.

“If we can get a lot of those injured blokes back on the park next year, then I believe we can take a quantum leap forward.”