Ryan Bastinac has heaped praise on Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch as the midfield recruit prepares for his first game in Lions colours in Mackay on Sunday.

“He has been great with me and other players this preseason,” Bastinac told RSN.

“We back him in his direction. I think everyone was pretty hard on him last year considering all of the injuries Brisbane had.

“It would have been frustrating for the whole club, but we’ve got a pretty healthy list now.”

Bastinac, who has joined the Lions from North Melbourne after 121 games, said he had been really impressed with the Lions’ new draftees.

“I’m really happy with how (Brisbane) has drafted,” he said.

“Josh Schache has had an awesome preseason for a young fella and Rhys Mathieson and Ben Keays have been great for first year players in trying to learn as much as they can.

“There’s a lot to look forward to.”