The Lions VFL side will step-up their Premiership season preparations when they take on flag fancies Southport in a practice match at the weekend.

The Lions accounted for the Gold Coast Suns by 18 points in their first hit-out against opposition on the Metricon Stadium back oval on Friday.

Coach Mitch Hahn said it was an encouraging first up effort from his men but stressed there were plenty of areas to improve before taking on the Sharks who are one of the genuine premiership contenders.

Hahn said he was happy with the spread of contributors in the 8.7 (55) to 6.1 (37) victory but lamented some wasted scoring opportunities from dominant field position.

“Everyone did their bit which was really pleasing,’’ he said.

“The usual suspects in the midfield like Rhys (Mathieson), Dev (Robertson) and Ely (Smith) were very good, but we thought we played well all over the ground.’’

First year player James Tunstill was a standout, looking clean and sharp in a two-goal performance, while fellow draftee Kai Lohman also impressed.

Harry Sharp, Cal Ah Chee and Jaxon Prior also made an impact in the opening half before heading off play the final quarter of the AFL side’s AAMI Community Series match against Adelaide.

Tom Fullarton booted three goals in the opening half before heading down back to fill a key defensive post, a move the coaches have been experimenting with all pre-season.

“He (Tom) won some strong contests down there and is really embracing the new challenge he has been set,’’ Hahn said.

Hahn praised the performance of veteran Ryan Lester who not only delivered a reminder of his readiness to resume his position in the senior side, but has also been playing a significant role in helping with the development of the younger players in the VFL program.

“The experience of Froggy and his voice is really helping our younger players,’’ he said.

“He gives great direction out there.’’