In his first year the Brisbane Lions, Morningside-product Tom Bell has shown plenty of grunt with Mitch Robinson describing him as his fellow “bash brother”.

On the weekend, Bell played further down forward notching up 17 disposals at 82% efficiency and kicked three goals. 

Despite a 63-point loss to Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday, Bell believes the team showed a lot more effort but still have their work cut out for them.

“We let ourselves down against Collingwood, but it was good, the boys redeemed a bit of faith on the weekend,” Bell told media today.

“Coming out against Melbourne, the effort was there. Unfortunately we didn’t hit it on the scoreboard but all our effort was there.”

He said Leppitsch’s message was simply “to keep things simple, stick to game plan and play your role.”

“At times we did that, at times we faded away from it. It’s all about a bit of consistent effort and we’re looking to play well against the Hawks at the Gabba,” Bell said.

“Leppa’s not out there on the ground when we’re playing, it does come down to us so I suppose we need to take more ownership of what’s going on.

And with a 1-8 record, heading into this weekend’s game against last year’s premiers, the Hawthorn Hawks, is a major task for the boys. 

"The boys are raring to go (this weekend), this is a game we’re all looking forward to. They’re the top of the class, they’ve shown that the past couple of years and we can’t wait to get out there."

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