The Brisbane Lions are wanting to quash the slow starts they have experienced the past two weeks as quickly as possible.

Early goals to the Demons cost the Lions dearly in their first home game of the season on Saturday night.

“We just let Melbourne get some goals we should have been able to defend a bit better,” Backline Coach Murray Davis told lions.com.au.

“They probably beat us in the pressure and ball early on in the game.”

The Lions had an amazing fightback in the second half, where they kicked eight goals and at one stage, drew level with Melbourne.

“That’s what we really love about the group. They’ve got great fight. They certainly never give up and they [Gabba crowd] saw that,” Davis said.

A highlight was Charlie Cameron’s debut as a Lion on Gabba soil. The forward kicked three goals for his new Club and was electric for the crowd.

“His pressure was enormous. He was able to grab his chances in front of goals as well. Another reason I think the crowd were excited,” Davis said.

It was also the first time Luke Hodge has played at the Gabba since 2008 and of course the first time playing for the home team.

Davis says Hodge’s knowledge and leadership in match situations has been instrumental already in the emerging defensive group’s development.

“It’s been huge. We know he’s a real general out there,” Davis said.

“He’s a real bonus to me.”

Port Adelaide on Saturday afternoon awaits this weekend. The Lions contested possession, an area of focus in the pre-season, will be tested.

“We saw elements in both Round 1 and 2 where we were able to match the teams,” Davis said.

“Port Adelaide are clearly doing that really well at the moment, so we look forward to that challenge.”