JUSTIN Leppitsch has taken a completely different approach into this year's NAB Challenge and the Brisbane Lions coach is expecting a completely different result.

The Lions have named a near full-strength team to play St Kilda at Burpengary on Saturday, and Leppitsch says if his players' attitudes are right they should win.

It's a far cry from 12 months ago, when Leppitsch, in charge of his first game as Lions coach, selected his youngest team possible to play reigning premier Hawthorn. The Hawks unleashed a cavalcade of superstars and the result was a 131-point demolition by them.

But this time around Leppitsch says that ensuring his new personnel combines well is more important as he unleashes gun recruits Dayne Beams and Mitch Robinson, and re-introduces Daniel Rich, Matthew Leuenberger and Jack Redden from long-term injuries.

Leppitsch said every coach had a different theory on what worked best at this time of year.

"We need continuity and performance with our players, particularly with our midfield that haven't played together a lot," he said.

"What we want to see is everything we've tried to implement (is) done well and have a big win. I think that's what you're trying to do every week.

"Given the fact we've got our best team in, we'd expect a pretty good performance as long as our players' attitude is right."

Leppitsch is resting ruckman Stefan Martin, while Geelong recruit Allen Christensen is expected to play the following week against the Sydney Swans as he continues a strong comeback following off-season back surgery.

Aside from the debut of Beams and Robinson, most focus against the Saints will revolve around the Lions' forward line and just how it will operate in the post-Jonathan Brown era.

Brent Staker (calf) and Luke McGuane (knee) played two games between them last year and will line up. Youngsters Michael Close and Daniel McStay have also been selected.

"We're still unsure of our forward mix, that's for sure," Leppitsch said.

"There's a month for us to make that first decision of who plays against Collingwood (round one) and I guess it's up to the players to decide who takes that role."