JOSH Green says an early-season reality check has set him firmly on the path to redemption.
Green said some honest words from Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch questioning the workrate of his small forwards after the round five loss against Gold Coast had left him fearing he would be dropped.
But in the past two rounds, Green's response has been emphatic.
The fleet-footed 22-year-old has kicked three goals in wins over Carlton and Port Adelaide and been a major reason for the Lions' reversal in fortunes with his forward pressure now meeting Leppitsch's demands.
"I had to review where I was going with my footy," said Green.
"It was probably the kick in the guts me and Lewy (Taylor) needed. We weren't playing our roles properly.
"We had a chat with Leppa and that's why he's a really good coach, he made it simple.
"Squizzy (Taylor) has made a move to the wing, which has been really good for him, and I've got back to that pressure and kicking goals."
Leppitsch was full of praise for the pair following Sunday's upset 37-point win over the Power, saying it was just the response he was looking for.
"The best thing is Greeny had four or five tackles, he kicks his goals as well, but you need that combination, you can't have one without the other," Leppitsch said.
"He's playing well because he's doing both."
