JUSTIN Leppitsch concedes the Brisbane Lions have a lot to improve on, but is confident there will not be another player exodus like 2013. 

Facing a big media contingent on Thursday morning, the Lions coach said although he was surprised by Jack Redden's request to be traded, he didn't think it would open up the floodgates for more departures. 

Leppitsch said he was still trying to talk Redden into staying.

Two years ago the Lions lost five first round draft picks who wanted to return to their home states.

Leppitsch said Redden's decision had "crept up on some people" and denied there was any problem with their relationship, describing it as "good".

"I'd like to think we've got the avenues to be a problem-solving environment," Leppitsch said.

"There's still lots of things that our football club needs to improve. 

"We've made a lot of changes, particularly off the field, and that can make players nervous about what's going to happen in the future.

"All I can say is it's going to be a better place at the footy club." 

Those changes have included a new football manager in Matthew Francis, while physical performance manager Brett Burton and welfare boss Manny Lynch have also been moved on.

Replacements for both are expected to be announced within the next week, with Craig Lambert expected to return from Greater Western Sydney to help the welfare department.

Leppitsch said he was confident contracted players would stay, despite Redden's request to leave with one year remaining on his deal. 

Former skipper Jed Adcock has already been told he won't be required in 2016, while out-of-contract pair James Aish and Matthew Leuenberger also look like departing.

"At times clubs make decision on players and players make decisions on clubs, but we're very confident we've got all the players we want, they're contracted, they're here, and we think we're going to get better as a footy club," Leppitsch said.

He said the club would attract some quality personnel through the trade period and draft and the players needed to "keep the faith". 

"We're very confident we've got the people and the background to lead the club to success," he said.