There’s no doubt that last Saturday’s 56-point loss to Essendon in Melbourne left Brisbane Lions fans a little deflated on the eve of the 2012 AFL Season.

But promising Lions utility Ryan Lester said the team has already used the practice match as a valuable tool to identify those areas that require the most improvement.

“The performance on the weekend was disappointing,” Lester said during his live online chat with Lions fans on Thursday evening.

“However, it’s sometimes important that we play games similar to the one on the weekend as we often expose our weaknesses and allow us to review these and work on them.”

Lester will be among a large selection of Lions players vying for a senior spot in next Saturday’s season opener against Melbourne, but remained typically modest when discussing his own chances of selection.

“I was happy with my pre-season. I’m lucky I’ve been given opportunities in the NAB Cup so far,” he said.

“But I’m not too sure if I'll get a Round 1 spot. We will have to wait and see!”

He was particularly coy when one fan suggested putting money on the 19 year-old for the 2012 AFL Rising Star award.

“I think your money (will stay with) the TAB,” Lester replied. “Billy Longer might have been a better option. Or Jared Polec.”

Lester did reveal some insights into the Round One team, suggesting potential candidates for the big task of shutting down former team-mate Mitch Clark who will face the Club in an official match for the first time in opposition colours.

“I think (the job will go to either) Patfull, Maguire or McKeever,” he said.

“All three are very capable of playing on him, and I’m sure all of them would relish the opportunity.”

“Patfull and Maguire were close mates with Mitch so it could be interesting!”

CLICK HERE to read the full transcript from Ryan Lester’s Live Chat with Lions fans.