Strong-marking forward Aaron Cornelius believes consistency is the key to keeping his spot in the Lions’ senior side.

Cornelius bagged an equal career-best haul of four goals against North Melbourne last Sunday, taking his career tally to 28 goals from 18 matches.

The recently-turned 22 year-old has proven more than capable in front of the big sticks, having booted four goals on three separate occasions, but has so far been unable to lock down a permanent position in the senior team.

His best return was at the end of last season when his strung six consecutive games together.

“I was in for a few, then back out, then back in - so if I can hold my spot this time, I’ll be much happier about that," Cornelius said. 

“I’ve been very lucky to come in both times (this year) and kick four, but I’d much rather be playing consistent footy at that level."

Cornelius identified that his role up forward hinges not only on his scoreboard output, but also his ability to put pressure on the opposition.

“With the way the game’s played today, the key forwards need to defend and make sure we keep the pressure on backmen,” he said.

“That’s been a focus of my game over the last few years, and it’s something I need to keep working on.”

Life won’t get any easier for Cornelius and his fellow forwards this Sunday when the Lions face ladder-leaders West Coast at the Gabba.

Led by their skipper Darren Glass, the Eagles have one of the competition’s stingiest defences, having conceded the second least amount of points so far in 2012.