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STEVE Clark is confident Leopold's fortunes can turn quickly after he was reappointed as senior coach for next year.
While the Lions have had a horror year in terms of injuries and results, Clark said they had made big gains internally and were well positioned for a quick return up the GFL table.
"From the outside looking in, it would appear we have gone backwards, which we have in terms of ladder position," he said. "But there have been a lot of things internally that we have done that should shoot us straight back up to where we were.
"If you turn up to training, you would not think that this is a side that has won two games. There has been no dropping off with 10 players turning up or anything like that, in fact it has been completely the opposite.
They turn up in big numbers.
"There is a mindset of, 'OK, we are not playing finals, but where can we improve'."
Clark last year took Leopold to an elimination final berth, but a few long-term injuries late in the year prevented a competitive showing against Bell Park.
Those injuries knocked on to midway through this year, which quickly ruled out a repeat finals berth.
But Clark said there was a silver lining to the injury curse which struck the club.
"I suppose, when you are competing for finals, as we were last year, things can get pushed to the side and you don't get to them," he said.
"This year we have been able to spend time on things that will set us up. We have put a lot of games into kids who were borderline last year, played people in different positions as a teaching tool, and really developed our leadership program.
"We have done all these things knowing that when our list gets healthy, and we bring a couple of players into the squad, that we will be in very good shape."
Clark said contract talks were already under way with his playing group.
"From the playing group everyone we've spoken to has given the impression that they will be staying.
There is a very strong commitment from the boys, which is really pleasing," he said.
The Lions have improved their performances in recent weeks and Clark believes they can finish the year strongly, starting this Saturday against St Albans.
"Some of the kids have eight or nine games under their belt, so it's not completely new to them now," he said.
"Whether we win two games, four games or six games in the run home and where we finish on the ladder is irrelevant, it's how we continue to learn and develop.
"There is no starting again in 2014. There is a lot to play for still this year."
