The 204cm, 102kg ruckman was expected to attract heavy interest from cashed-up expansion club Greater Western Sydney while Fremantle and West Coast would have been hoping the 'go home' factor may play a part in the West Australian's decision.
But the 22-year-old, who will line up for his 50th game in Saturday night's QClash against the Gold Coast, said he intends to play many more in the maroon, blue and gold.
He said despite the 0-5 season start for the Lions, he was excited about their future and wanted to be a part of it.
"I'm rapt here. I haven't started contract negotiations so I can put that to bed," he said.
"Where we're sitting on the ladder you'd think we're in trouble, but for me being at the age I am and to have the kids coming through like the Reddens, the Richs and the Rockliffs, it's pretty exciting times for me. I really look forward to being able to drive the group forward with those types of guys.
"I've got no intentions of leaving that's for sure."
Leuenberger was a no.4 draft pick and debuted for the Lions in 2007 before having most of the following two seasons destroyed by knee injuries.
However last season he played all 22 games and showed just why he was so highly rated with his great tap work and around-the-ground athleticism.
The East Perth product said despite the winless start to the season, the Lions were remaining optimistic.
"We could easily be four and one. We've been close in a lot of our games and really competitive. I think last year we obviously started well (4-0) but there was a large patch through the middle of the year where we were largely uncompetitive," he said.
"I think this year we've been competitive and around the mark, so we're just trying to remain optimistic.
"We see this weekend as a great opportunity for us, as we have in weeks gone by, so we're just trying to knuckle down and get the little things right which should get us a win."
Leuenberger has shown his versatility in recent weeks, moving into the forward line in the absence of injured captain Jonathan Brown, while Broc McCauley takes over the primary rucking duties.
Leuenberger said Brown, who has now resumed non-contact training, had been a helping hand in his foray forward.
"He's come back into training the past few weeks which is about the time I've been going forward so I've certainly been able to run around on the track with him and get a few pointers from him which has been helpful.
"It’s a bit different, I've never really played there before so I'm learning as I go."
