FOLLOWING the retirement of Jonathan Brown, Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch is bullish about the long-term prospects of youngsters Michael Close and Dan McStay to fill the forward void.

Answering fans' questions as part of AFL Media's #AskTheCoach series, Leppitsch nominated the third- and second-year key forwards as the men most likely to anchor the forward 50.

After playing in the NEAFL his first year, Close played 14 games in 2014, kicking 10 goals, while McStay was used at both ends of the ground last season, kicking seven goals in nine games.

However, with a NAB Challenge campaign providing solid returns, McStay too has shown Leppitsch enough to trust him as a regular forward.

"Our forward line will be flexible this season no doubt," Leppitsch said.

"You can't replace Jonathan Brown, but we have some great kids in Michael Close and Dan McStay.

"I still think Close and McStay will be our long-term targets."

As he has all pre-season, Leppitsch reiterated the importance for the Lions' midfielders to go forward and kick goals if his team was to be a success.

When asked about the role of captain Tom Rockliff and prized recruit Dayne Beams, the Lions coach was emphatic.


"Both those two will rest forward this year," he said. 

"Rocky has proven to be a handy forward and a goalkicker when he has played there."