YOUNG forward Dan McStay says the key to turning around the Brisbane Lions season is as simple as focusing on contested ball and tackling.

The Lions were smashed by the Western Bulldogs in both areas on Saturday night, losing the contested possession count 134-106 and losing the tackles 71-67, despite having 44 less disposals overall. 

It's a theme that has dogged the League's 17^th-placed team all season.

They are ranked dead last in average contested possessions, and only marginally in front of Carlton for average tackles a game. 

Although injuries have gutted the core of their midfield for much of the year to date, McStay says there is no excuse for not getting the basics right.

"It mainly goes back to contested footy," he said on Tuesday morning. 

"The heart of football, you've got to win the ball first before you worry about doing anything with it. That's a big focus at the moment.

"And our tackling pressure, just trying to get that up."

The 19-year-old was one of few shining lights in the 72-point loss to the Bulldogs, kicking three goals from limited forward entries. 

Although coach Justin Leppitsch criticised his senior players following the match, McStay said everyone had to take responsibility.

"The whole team is letting us down at the moment, we just can't blame the leaders," he said.

"It's the young guys as well. We have to step it up.

"We haven't had that consistency of our leaders playing, with Rocky (Tom Rockliff) being out for periods of time and only just getting Pearce (Hanley) back.

"These guys are worrying about getting their game back on track.

"It's just going to take time.

"As soon as we get that leadership group back together it'll bring the heart back to that midfield and we'll start winning the ball back and as a team we'll start playing better."