Leuenberger had big expectations put on him after being taken at number four in the 2006 national draft and has shown more than a glimpse of his talent in 19 senior games.
But the 20-year-old's 2008 campaign was cut short when he required a right knee operation in July which is now in the latter stages of rehabilitation.
While he will miss the Lions' NAB Cup opener against St Kilda on February 14, he expects to return two weeks later, and Leuenberger is excited that he's finally not far from getting back on the field.
And there's no doubt the 203cm giant is a key piece of the Lions puzzle this season as he teams up with established ruckman Jamie Charman.
Leuenberger said he had made the most of the past few months to work on an area of development that needed attention.
"I'm pretty pumped. I can see some light at the end of the tunnel now,'' he said.
"I want to cement my spot in seniors this year and command more time on the field and that's my goal this year.
"In order to get more game time I have to get stronger. The ability to play one-on-one in the ruck and withstand it physically.
"Last year I'd last about three contests and I'd be buggered and my opponent would get on top of me. I think I've improved but I won't know until I play.''
Leuenberger has put on 4kg of muscle in the off-season to take his weight up to 103kg.
He said it had been a slightly longer road than expected coming back from last year's setback.
"I basically tore the cartilage in half,'' he said.
"The rehab was trying to strengthen the quad and get bigger. Some of the stitching hadn't dissolved inside the knee properly so I had to go in for a `scope in December which put me back another month or so.
"But I'm doing all the skills work now, maybe not as much running as normal, just making sure I'm getting through and not getting flogged and breaking down.''
Leuenberger said he still had slight discomfort in being tackled but expected full fitness and confidence in the next few weeks.
