FRIDAY night's best-on-ground performance by Daniel Rich offered further proof that the Lions midfielder is on the verge of elite status.

That's the view of Lions co-captain Jed Adcock, who said the 22-year-old was benefitting from a rigorous training regimen.

"'Richy' has worked really hard this off-season to get to that next level of fitness and probably has taken the next step now," Adcock said the morning after the Lions beat Carlton by 40 points to win the NAB Cup.

Rich had 23 possessions and kicked a goal in a performance that earned him the Michael Tuck Medal for best afield.

"He'll tell you he still has room to improve, and every player has room to improve, but he had a fantastic game last night," Adcock said.

The Lions have high hopes for their midfield in 2013. Melbourne recruit Brent Moloney also had 23 touches against the Blues, while Simon Black has yet to return from a knee injury.

"The good thing for us is that the midfield can start sharing the load," Adcock said.

He also said that Daniel Merrett's excellent NAB Cup campaign at full-back should end once and for all any suggestions he should play as a forward. He also praised the work of Matt Maguire and 2012 best and fairest Joel Patfull.

"We've had a pretty consistent backline group for a few years, save for a few injuries," he said.

"If those guys can stay fit for us, have a real physical presence and bring the ball to ground, we can mop it up and take it out of there pretty quickly."