BRENT Staker believes West Coast's turnaround from wooden spooners to top-four hopefuls will inspire a similar improvement in the Brisbane Lions next year.
Staker, who played seven seasons and 110 games with the Eagles before joining the Lions at the beginning of 2010, said there was no reason his new club could not follow West Coast's lead next season.
The Lions are in 15th place with a 3-14 record and face a likely bottom-four finish.
"It just goes to show that anything is possible and you don't need another two or three years of rebuilding, it can be turned around within the space of four or five months of pre-season," Staker said.
"No doubt it's a mindset thing and an attitude thing. There's been a few speed humps along the way this year with a few injuries, which take their toll, but if we come back pre-season with the right mindset, anything can be achieved."
The Eagles lost veteran stars Dean Cox, Darren Class and Daniel Kerr to injury for much of 2010 only to see the healthy trio return to their best this season.
Similarly the Lions have been without key pillars Jonathan Brown and Daniel Merrett for much of this season and can expect big improvements when the experienced duo returns to the field in 2012.
Staker - a key Lions tall - has played just three matches this year after having LARS surgery after rupturing the ACL in his right knee against Fremantle in round one.
Rookie Jack Darling's form has also been instrumental in West Coast's surge, but the Lions have uncovered their own forward target in Pat Karnezis.
Karnezis was taken at No.25 in last year's NAB AFL Draft -one spot ahead of Darling - and has emerged as a bright talent with 11 goals in his five appearances.
Staker, 27, said he spoke to good mate Adam Selwood after his 150th game for the Eagles last week.
"What a turnaround. From finishing bottom to the top four, it's one of the greatest turnarounds in history, so they're going great," he said.
Staker said there was no remorse on his part for having left the Eagles to head east to the Lions.
He is contracted until the end of 2013 and is happy in Brisbane.
"You can't look back, it's going to drive you mad. You've got to move forward. I've made the decision, I’m here and I'm enjoying my footy and I'm enjoying Brisbane," he said.
Staker said the Lions were refreshed after their bye and looking forward to taking on an embattled Adelaide at the Gabba on Sunday.
He said personally he had plenty to prove in the final five rounds.
"It's been a long year, an interesting year, I haven't had to deal with things like this (injury) in my career," he said.
"It's definitely been a challenge. I want to finish the season off with consistent football and play a role for the team."
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mike_whiting
