Sunday’s NAB Challenge opener against the Suns gave Lions fans a looking glass into the future, according to Assistant Coach Murray Davis.

“The younger players were able to get some game experience. That was the number one priority for us, to be able to reward them, and we thought they were pretty good,” Davis told LionsTV for the Vero Coaches Wrap.

“Some of our more experienced players – Roh Bewick, Mitch Robinson, Ryan Lester – those guys have obviously played a bit of footy and they certainly led the way.

“Hopefully the people that were there got a good insight into the future. (Josh) Schache, (Eric) Hipwood and Rhys Mathieson were good, even young Reuben William, when he came on he had a real impact.”

Highlights: NAB Challenge V Suns

In his post-match press conference, Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch lamented the Lions' over-possession of the ball in difficult Burpengary conditions. The Lions won the disposals (305-277) but lost a true indicator – contested possession (115-148).

“Contested possession has been something we’ve had a big focus on.

“Blacky’s been working in that area with the players. It will always be a ‘work on’ for us, especially with a young list and younger bodies.

“It just takes time, but we’ll keep working on it.

“We want to play an exciting brand of footy. Hopefully with a few (more experienced) players coming into the team we will see a bit of that in play against St Kilda.”