A CONTRACT extension beyond next year is the last thing on Justin Leppitsch's mind as he focuses on the challenge of lifting the Brisbane Lions to a potential finals berth this season.
The three-time premiership player is entering his second season at the helm of the Lions with more resources at his disposal and three experienced midfielders bolstering his list.
It was reported recently the club was keen to open discussions with Leppitsch's management about signing him up beyond 2016 once the season started.
Season preview: Brisbane Lions
But the coach said securing his own future was unimportant compared to ensuring the Lions improve this season from the seven games they won in 2014.
"We haven't discussed anything - it's probably the last thing on my mind, to be perfectly honest," Leppitsch told AFL.com.au.
"I don't see the hurry or the need.
"The excitement of what we've been able to achieve off the field and the spirit within the organisation has been a massive tick, but we still have to the do the on-field work and I have to lead that.
"I'm pretty comfortable but we just need to win. I'm not going to sign a contract if we finish with three wins this year and go backwards.
"I don't think anyone would be comfortable in extending my contract.
"But if we do improve and we do win a few more games than last year, that's when you look at that."
Leppitsch said the installation of Peter Schwab as the club's talent acquisition and retention manager and the appointment of experienced ex-Carlton chief Greg Swann as CEO had helped improve the Lions' "off-field vibe and environment".
Two new assistant coaches – Danny Daly and Ben Hudson – have arrived, and defensive strategy coach Murray Davis will run the Lions' full ground defence, which was a part-time responsibility of Leppitsch last season.
These appointments have Leppitsch confident his club will have "more eyes on each part of the game" this season, which contributed to them being harder to score against during the pre-season.
He conceded there would have to be a sizeable step up if the Lions were to make the finals, and with key midfielder Pearce Hanley out for half the season with a hip injury, they've already been dealt a hefty blow.
But without divulging a pass mark for wins, he believes the Lions have the ability to play finals if everything goes right.
"Bringing in better players into a system that's now 12 months old, I think we should get the improvement we want," he said.
"We had seven wins last year, we hope to improve on that.
"It's going to be a big jump to play finals, you normally need 13 wins.
"We need to be strong and consistent but I think we've got the personnel to be better, but whether that touches finals time will tell.
"With our best team out there playing our best football, we're a very good shot to play in September this year."
