Daniel Merrett might have become an important swingman for the Brisbane Lions in recent weeks, but the 28-year-old still considers himself a defender first and foremost.

The Lions’ forward structure seems to operate more effectively with Merrett being part of it, but so too does their defence.

While Merrett enjoys the occasional change of scenery in attack, he still believes he is more suited to the backline.

“I’m not showy enough to be a forward,” Merrett told Dom Fay and Michael Whiting as part of the Round 17 Fancast on LIONS TV.

“I need to get a bit of a trademark going (when I celebrate a goal).

“There are a few guys who get a bit carried away – like Dayne Zorko, he goes a bit over the top. Even for a young bloke, Sam Mayes really embraces the crowd, which I haven’t seen since Justin Sherman was playing at the Gabba.

“I’m definitely just a backman doing my job.

“Having a bit of a run-around up forward is a good change-up mentally.”

Merrett has been named again at full-forward for this Saturday night’s clash with Melbourne.

He said the Lions remained focussed on the job at hand, and wouldn’t show any signs of complacency despite going into the match as warm favourites.

“It comes down to consistency and how you prepare for games,” Merrett said.

“It’s important that we do the same things we did against Geelong and North Melbourne, and don’t let outside influences affect the way we prepare and play the game.

“You can definitely see Melbourne’s (improved) intent. And that’s how games are won. You have to grind them out.

“Up there (in Darwin), with the ground being so slippery and such a big field, it’s a bit hard to know what the game is going to look like.

“It’s definitely not a gimme. We’re going to have to be right up there with our pressure and workrate.”