Even though there is only a very slim mathematical chance that the Lions can play finals in 2013, Brent Staker told LionsTV that “there is still a lot of belief” within the group, and that the team’s motivation to succeed is just as strong as last week.

Staker told Fancast’s Dom Fay and Michael Whiting that there is still a lot to gain from this season for the Lions, finals or not.

“We’ve still got a lot to achieve, whether it’s finals or just being a strong contender and take that into next year,” Staker said

Despite the Lions still being a very slim contender for finals this year, Staker did look to next year and made it clear that a strong finish to 2013 would hold the Lions in good stead come 2014.

“I don’t think any team wants to finish the season on a low and sort of mosey on in to pre-season. You want to hit pre-season with a spring in your step and be ready to attack another football season,” Staker said

The Lions utility, who has played both back and forward this season since returning against Essendon in round 8 earlier this year, will line up in his 150^th game this weekend and believes he has plenty of more footy left in him.

“I still feel I have another two years, only because I have missed those two years of football, so I have always said, well I’ll miss two and then I’ll gain two, I’ve always just gone off that theory,” Staker said.

The 29-year-old did acknowledge that the quickening of the game could possibly affect how long he has left in the game, but remains confident he still has a lengthy period in a Lions jumper.

“Purely it comes down to how the body withstands coming back into the game with how fast the game has become, but yeah, I’d think I’d be able to achieve another two years.”

Lachlan Dyson is a regular contributor to lions.com.au. You can follow him on Twitter: @lachlandyson