JUSTIN Leppitsch's prospects of a contract extension have received a boost, with Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann suggesting a new deal could be settled early in the new year. 

Leppitsch is entering his third season at the helm of the Lions and falls out of contract at the end of 2016. 

Star Lions locked in with long-term deals

Although the Lions have failed to reach any great heights under their former defender, Swann said the level of change at the club – in both the playing group and elsewhere – meant consistency was required.

"At board level we've had some discussions, but we just said we'd wait until the new year to have another look at it," Swann told SEN. 

"We're under no pressure and Justin's comfortable with where it's all at.

"I think we've made something like 25 changes in the last two years and then there's been a lot of changes off-field, so we need a period of a bit of stability.

"Hopefully we'll get something done sooner rather than later."

Swann was also quizzed about the indiscretion of emerging star Lewis Taylor, who was arrested in late November for allegedly causing more than $10,000 damage to eight vehicles in Victoria.

The Lions' boss said it was a "dumb" act from the midfielder, but also said there was more to the incident than plain vandalism.

Swann said Taylor was looking for car parts. 

"First of all I was surprised, because he's a good kid and I think he's a smart kid … that wasn't a good decision," he said.

"It got beaten up that they trashed a whole heap of stuff, they were looking for some parts - I think there was a bit of a misunderstanding.

"I think he'll get a diversion, the police hopefully haven't viewed it as too serious but it's just one of those dumb things where you get yourself in trouble where you shouldn't have."