THE ABILITY to run out games was a key reason behind the Brisbane Lions' NAB Cup success, according to co-captain Jed Adcock.

The Lions finished all over the top of Carlton en route to their 40-point win at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, to secure the club's first pre-season premiership.

"That's been a positive over the last four games," Adcock said at the team hotel on Saturday morning.

"Whenever we have come to the last quarters we have had our legs under us and we have run the games out well."

Even more pleasing was the run the Lions had in their legs considering it is still the pre-season, they were coming off a six-day break and were playing their third match on the trot outside Queensland.

Adcock said there was little travel fatigue at this time of the year, but that it will likely kick in later in 2013.

"It is early in the season and after round 24 it might be a different story, but to do it now is a positive," he said.

The Lions have just completed their third pre-season under the guidance of former Adelaide spearhead Brett Burton, with Adcock admitting it has taken that long for Burton's methods to hit their mark.

He also said the Lions had benefitted by sending half their squad to Arizona to kick start their pre-season campaign, while the dry pre-Christmas weather in Brisbane had also helped the players get miles in their legs.

"There has been continuity and consistency," he said. "Guys have been able to back up and do the work. There's no special medicine except for hard work. It’s the only way to do it.

The Lions have been given a five-day break and will not resume training in Brisbane until Thursday. They return to Melbourne to play their season opener against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on 30 March.