DESPITE playing arguably their best game of the season last weekend, the Brisbane Lions have plenty of areas to improve, says first-year midfielder Ben Keays.

The Lions took the Sydney Swans right to the wire before losing by three points, and Keays says with some simple fixes, they can upset Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Against the hardened Swans, the Lions narrowly lost contested ball – an area they have struggled terribly in – by 19, and clearances, by five.

"Even though we've been applauded for our effort, we still lost," Keays said.

"There's still a lot of things we need to fix up, just little things, structure-wise.

"It's amazing, one little mistake from one bloke setting up with a structure can cost a goal, and the result was three points in the end.

"Get rid of those little things, which is definitely doable – and for 99 per cent of the game we set up right – we should give ourselves a good chance to win every week."

After defeating Gold Coast in round four, coach Justin Leppitsch conceded his team got ahead of themselves in losing poorly to the Western Bulldogs the following week.

Keays, who had 11 disposals, eight tackles and a goal in his debut, said the team had already spoken about not making the same mistake this time around.

"It's all about moving on," he said.

"If we bring that effort and intent against Port Adelaide this weekend, all the boys are pretty confident.

"It's been one week on, one week off with our preparation this year.

"If we can get that consistency and do the same thing every week, prepare and bring that intent, we should be fine and there should be quite a few wins around the corner."

Keays described his debut as "incredible" although it wasn't capped off with the ultimate reward – a win.