BRISBANE Lions coach Justin Leppitsch says a priority draft pick for the Club is justified and would help fast-track on-field prospects.
Leppitsch told a press conference on Thursday a priority pick for the Lions would show the intent of the wider football world to see his club improve quickly.
The Lions have won just two games this season and are battling with neighbouring Gold Coast for the wooden spoon, and have made just one finals appearance since 2004.
The Lions are expected to ask for a priority pick at season's end, and Leppitsch laid the case out.
"It depends how quickly the AFL community want us to get better," he said.
"They've taken away the academy advantages we've had, so obviously there's no real thought they want this club to get better quicker.
"We've had a huge amount of list changes and challenges.
"One draft pick is fantastic, two is even better isn't it?"
The Lions believe they don't have enough elite talent at the moment, with just four first-round picks on their list – James Aish, Sam Mayes, Daniel Rich and Matthew Leuenberger.
The academy concessions for the four northern states clubs have also been tightened, ensuring they pay a higher price for locally produced talent.
Leppitsch said results in the final six weeks could play a big part in receiving a priority pick.
"The better the quality of person you have in your organisation, the quicker you'll get better, that's just the facts," he said.
"That's something for the law makers to decide whether we deserve one or not.
"If we win the last six games they'll definitely say no, won't they? If we lose the last six they'll probably say yes, who knows. That's out of our hands."
The first of those six games comes on Saturday against Geelong at Simonds Stadium, where Leppitsch expects both Pearce Hanley and Dayne Beams to play.
Hanley (hamstring) and Beams (shoulder) were late withdrawals from last week's loss against North Melbourne.
