Marcus Adams says Brisbane has a similar "feel" to the one the Western Bulldogs had in its premiership year of 2016.
Adams was an integral member of the Bulldogs back six that season before a foot injury curtailed his year and forced him to watch their incredible premiership surge from the grandstands.
Now, five games into his new life as a Lion – all wins – Adams says the environment and want to improve at the Gabba was similar to that at Whitten Oval three years ago.
"I feel a similar sort of feel around the place," Adams said.
"It was really enjoyable coming into work every day and it's the same here, I love coming in every day.
"The day off is probably the most boring, least-joyous day of the week. I think most of the guys are in the same boat, which makes for a pretty good environment, a great environment to work and to get better as a group.
"In that regard it's pretty similar.
"If you work and do the right things day in and day out, then the results come."
Adams was not making any bold predictions about the Lions' flag chances, saying every one of the 11 clubs in the finals race had claims to the premiership.
"I don't think anybody expected the Doggies to go quite so well in 2016," he said.
"It was a similar sort of thing in terms of continuing to build each week, working together strongly week to week to make sure we continued to be the best version of ourselves … and I think that's what we're doing here as well."
After complications to a knee injury forced Adams to have surgery early in the year, the versatile defender has settled nicely alongside Harris Andrews and Darcy Gardiner in Brisbane's back six.
He said there was "no complacency" at the Lions, and although the club's surge up the ladder had come quicker than he expected, it was part of his motivation to change clubs.
"Going through trade period last year and speaking with Fages (coach Chris Fagan), Nobes (general manager of football David Noble) and (list manager) Dom (Ambrogio) about the trends of the club … on paper it (improvement) looked like it was feasible," Adams said.
"The fact is it's come pretty quick, but I did expect that in the next couple of years.
"The club was heading in the right direction.
"That was on the back of a lot of right things done off the field, the camaraderie of the group.
"It's probably a shock to a lot of people, but we just go out to try and improve weekly. As soon as you tread water in this competition, you can get overtaken pretty quickly."
