Daniel McStay believes Brisbane can squeeze more out of its already-potent forward line as they learn to hunt better as a pack.

The Lions play Geelong at the Gabba on Saturday, with the winner likely to lead the AFL ladder entering the final regular-season round.

It’s been a remarkable rise for the former powerhouse club, who haven’t played finals since 2009 and finished 15th last season on the back of just five wins.

Charlie Cameron, who missed a bulk of last season through injury, has led the charge with a club-high 47 goals this season.

But he is one of eight Lions to kick 16 or more majors this season, while five more have managed between seven and 13 goals.

Saturday’s rivals Geelong have seven players with at least 17 goals while fellow premiership contenders Collingwood and West Coast both have seven with more than 15 in a nod to the importance of variety up front.

“It’s exciting (to be part of it) but it’s also the midfielders being able to come down and perform, kick goals and set up goals,” McStay said of the potent set-up.

“If one of our guys isn’t firing, like Charlie or Hippy (Eric Hipwood), other guys like Linc (McCarthy) are popping up.”

Cameron starred in Saturday’s defeat of the Gold Coast with a six-goal haul but he stands to prosper further if the side’s taller men learn to time their runs.

“It’s really dynamic and week by week we’re learning to play better together,” McStay said.

“Hippy and I and O (Oscar McInerney), we’re still crashing each other at times, big marks and stuff.

“We’re still learning that side of things but from the start of the year to now we’ve made massive inroads.”

He said the key against the Cats would be to remain composed despite a likely sell-out crowd.

“If you start thinking too much about the wins and the losses you play fearfully,” he said.

“It’s probably the best test for us ahead of finals – it will really show where we’re at.”

SHARING THE LOAD

Brisbane

*Charlie Cameron 47 goals (26 behinds)

* Eric Hipwood 31(25)

* Hugh McCluggage 20 (10)

* Lincoln McCarthy 19 (11)

* Daniel McStay 19 (15)

* Dayne Zorko 19 (15)

* Cameron Rayner 18 (22)

* Mitch Robinson 16 (9)

Geelong

* Tom Hawkins 52 (25)

* Gary Ablett 30 (15)

* Gary Rohan 24 (9)

* Gryan Miers 22 (12)

* Patrick Dangerfield 20 (14)

* Mitchell Duncan 18 (6)

* Tim Kelly 17 (15)