RUCKMAN Matthew Leuenberger has refused to rule out a frosty reception for former Lion Mitch Clark when the Lions meet Clark's Melbourne outfit in the NAB Cup on Saturday night.

Clark played 82 games over six seasons with the Lions before requesting to be traded at the end of last season.

The talented tall wanted to return to his home state and play for either West Coast or Fremantle, but when a trade could not be organised, Clark was snapped up by Melbourne.

Leuenberger and Clark played as a one-two rucking punch in Brisbane, but the giant Lion said there was no place for sentiment at Metricon Stadium this weekend.

"I don't know how it's going to work out to be honest," Leuenberger said.

"It's been a couple of months since he's gone and the group's moved on without him and found new targets up forward and new leaders at the club to replace him.

"I'm sure once we get out there there'll be a few boys that might take it differently, but we'll wait and see how we go."

Leuenberger said he would relish the chance to go up against is former teammate.

"He'd know my game as well as I'd know his so it'd be a good hit-out if we managed to go against each other," he said.

"You hear different things about how they're going to use him. I think last I read he was going to be used as a key forward but I wouldn't be surprised at all if he got into the ruck for a bit, which would be good."

Despite Clark's departure the Lions are well stocked in the ruck division with veteran Ben Hudson, No.8 draft pick Billy Longer and rookie Sam Michael all vying for time.

Leuenberger was in career-best form last season and after not missing a game the past two years, said continuity had helped elevate the level of his game.

"I got a bit of rhythm the past few seasons and pre-seasons and I think it's just all started to come together towards the end of last year," he said.

"I want to start this season like I finished last year."

The Lions will play Melbourne and Gold Coast on Saturday night.

Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting

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