Cubs need club veterans
Lions youngster Todd Banfield has urged veterans Simon Black and Luke Power to play on next season
Black, 32, and Power, 31, are both out of contract at the end of the season and although Black has indicated his desire to play on, neither player has made a firm commitment.
They both starred in Saturday night's 62-point win over Gold Coast.
Black won the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for best afield with 31 disposals and nine clearances, while Power collected 26 touches and four clearances.
With a young and emerging list, Banfield said it was vital the two premiership players stayed on to help the Lions' young brigade.
"It's one of those things at a club, you've always got the older blokes that teach the way so if we can gain from them and learn from them it's going to help us," Banfield said.
"Around the club they're always up and about. They show on the field why they're such good talents.
"If they can keep going and show us younger blokes how it's done, and we bridge that gap with age and experience, then it's good for the club for the next few years."
Banfield said he was learning lessons from the duo on and off the field, particularly 293-game veteran Black.
"Black was unbelievable on the weekend, just getting out of packs and clearances - it's what he does," he said.
"Off-field it's more about him showing you ways you can improve yourself. [On Monday] he had a touch session with myself to improve my hands so it's little things like that where you gain confidence."
Banfield said he would be working on his touch and goalkicking after a horror night against the Suns.
He kicked 2.5 and missed a certain goal when his handpass to an open Brent Staker in the goalsquare was off-target and went through for a behind.
The Lions play Collingwood on Saturday and Banfield said the Lions would be confident knowing they played four consistent quarters against the Suns.
"Collingwood has been the benchmark for the past two years and if we can show what we gained out of this week, it's going to be a good challenge to see what we can do," he said.
"If we have a good crack and play four good quarters of footy I don't see why we can't win."
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mike_whiting