THE COMBINATION of Stef Martin and Matthew Leuenberger in the ruck could end up being a "real weapon" for the Brisbane Lions in 2015, according to coach Justin Leppitsch.
Leppitsch has the two fit and healthy at the same time for the first time in awhile, after Leuenberger was kept to five games last year because of knee and Achilles issues.
While the former first-round draft pick was sidelined, Martin exploded in the last 12 games of the 2014 season and earned himself a two-year contract extension with his career-best form.
Season preview: Brisbane Lions
Now, having seen the potential of the duo in round 23 last year as well as two of the NAB Challenge games, Leppitsch has every intention of continuing it when the season starts for the Lions next Saturday night against Collingwood.
"They'll be together. As long as they're fit and healthy we'll have that combination," Leppitsch told AFL.com.au.
"I think it can be a real weapon for us.
"I was unsure how it would go but they work together really well, they're really good mates, they communicate well, which has made it easier.
"I think if they didn't have that relationship it would be a bit more difficult.
"But they work it themselves really well, they often come with recommendations going into games, who should start forward.
"I think that's important, that they embrace the roles to try and maximise our potential ruck dominance we have.
"It's been really good, it's been positive."
Leppitsch not worried about new deal
Another benefit of having both big men in the team will be the help it gives to the forward line, which looks young and inexperienced on paper with the absence of long-time Lion Jonathan Brown.
Leppitsch has already backed the Lions to develop their own key-position players, rather than shop for experienced ones in the trade period this season.
He believes with the support of the resting ruckman, the Lions will be able to find the goals this year despite the hole left by Brown's retirement.
"We've got some good young talent in that area," he said.
"Michael Close and Dan McStay are some good long-term future prospects and they haven't done it over seasons yet but they'll be supported by Martin and Leuenberger.
"There's also Brent Staker, who's coming back from a long injury, and Luke McGuane and players like that to play a role.
"We have the players to do it but as long as we don't get marked against and the ball comes to ground I think we can supply the pressure needed to have a second crack at goals."
