BRISBANE Lions veteran Daniel Merrett admits to not playing great football this season, but says he still has something to offer and wants to play on in 2017.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and with the Lions featuring a backline devoid of experience, says he has a hunger to extend his 12-year career.

Merrett is the only Lion aged over 30, although ruckman Stefan Martin – still with a further three seasons on his deal – will join that club in November.

"No, I'm not having a great year, but I still feel like I can bring something to the group," Merrett said.

"I definitely want to play on next year.

"I think my young, developing backline, I get a lot of motivation from those guys, supporting them and mentoring them and I'd like to continue that on next year."

Merrett has missed three games this season – all due to illness – but will return to play Essendon on Sunday and says his body is holding up well.

With Justin Clarke's forced retirement (concussion) before the season, Dan McStay, Harris Andrews and Darcy Gardiner have been forced to hold down the key posts alongside Merrett.

Elevated rookies Matthew Hammelmann and Jackson Paine have also played games in the back 50 as the Lions search for answers.

The defence has leaked more than 2000 points – the most of any team by almost 300 points – although many of those have stemmed from turnovers that have transitioned quickly into opposition goals.

Merrett says the Lions' plight has brought the playing group closer together, despite winning just one game.

He said they would treat Sunday's wooden spoon battle against Essendon like any other match.

"With all the noise happening on the outside it's forced us as a group to become tighter and become united and keep backing each other up, particularly our coach," he said.

"He showed last week he's got our back and we've got his.

"He's been unbelievable with all the external pressure on him. He's very supportive of our group and he's been able to keep our group very united.

"I think the best way the senior players can support the coach is by putting on a good performance this weekend.

"A win would be very nice."