JUSTIN Leppitsch has described the Brisbane Lions' upset win over Gold Coast as brave and full of character.

The Lions overcame the loss of ruckman Stefan Martin late in the first half and another attack of the goalkicking yips to record their first win of the season.

They dominated for most of the four quarters, slaughtering their close rivals in disposals, contested possessions and inside 50s.

But after kicking 1.9 in the second term – and 4.15 for the first half – they left Gold Coast in touch.

WATCH Justin Leppitsch's full post-match media conference

"It was a brave win, it was a win of character, which was important," Leppitsch said.

"Things weren't going our way in terms of shots on goal again, (sound like a) bit of a broken record, but at least we persisted and didn't let that disappointment get a hold of us, so I'm proud of the boys doing that."

The Lions kicked 11.17 against North Melbourne two weeks ago to shoot themselves in the foot and were poor in front of goal against Geelong last week, kicking 7.14.

Leppitsch said the crowd, the coaching staff and the players all got more tense the more the Lions missed.

However, when it counted, they found the big sticks, with best on ground Pearce Hanley's long range right foot snap and Ryan Bastinac's late set shot sealer particularly impressive.

Five talking points: Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast

"I thought we had a great balance in our offence today," Leppitsch said.

"We weren't frenetic speed and we weren't cumbersome slow either.

"I thought we had a really good blend. That's the best we've rolled it out.

"I think offence gets better the more you play together and requires cohesion, particularly from the back half of the ground.

"It would have been very disappointing walking off the ground not winning after having a game you thought you were much better than your opposition."