WHEN you start selecting an AFL team based purely on players who will give effort, you know you're struggling.

But that's the prospect facing Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch ahead of Sunday's match against Melbourne at the MCG. 

Saturday night's pathetic showing against Collingwood dredged up a plethora of problems for the Lions, but the biggest one was figuring out which players actually gave a toss. 

After the siren: Gloom and doom in the Sunshine State

How many players can Leppitsch look to with any faith?

And how many of those professional footballers can look their coach, their teammates and their fans in the eye with any pride? 

"Sometimes it's fatigue, sometimes it's non-compliance. Sometimes it's just because you're not good enough as a player, plain and simple," Leppitsch said after Saturday night's embarrassment.

"That's when selections are made and careers are decided. 

"We've got to decide (on) every player and which category they fit in."

Gains had been made in the first month of the season, but they were washed away in one horror night, destroyed by a listless team that has been treading water for far too long. 

In searching for an answer, Leppitsch must make every player accountable and risk his own coaching career. 

Talking points: What now for Leppa?

Why? Because the best weapon a coach has in his kitbag is the selection chop, one that says "you’ll play for us again when you show some commitment".

Players were agitated with Leppitsch at the end of last season and the coach has reportedly made great strides in his man-management, but now he has to risk that again and swing the axe.

Confusing the issue is the injury toll and a weak reserves team in the NEAFL, limiting the options.

With Tom Rockliff (hamstring) unavailable and Dayne Beams (knee) in serious doubt, the Lions could already be down their two most reliable midfielders, but if Leppitsch wants to drive high standards and stand for something, that shouldn't stop him from making more changes. 

Daniel Rich signed a five-year deal just a month ago and is playing like a man secure in the knowledge he has a wage no matter what he dishes up. 

Rich has become the epitome of this team – a footballer of quality who too often lacks the intensity to thrive at AFL level. 

After a week in which Leppitsch challenged the entire midfield to lift, Rich had a paltry six contested possessions against Collingwood, and watching a more desperate Jarryd Blair run straight past him to soccer a goal from a forward 50 stoppage was telling.

He appears content to just do enough, get some stats and hold his spot, but the Lions need him to be a prime mover rather than a passenger. 

Where is the hungry teenager that burst onto the scene with the 2009 Rising Star award? The strong-willed midfielder who is not just one of the most devastating kicks in the competition, but more than capable of winning his own ball?

But Rich had plenty of mates.

Pearce Hanley – also a vice-captain – needs to do more.

It wasn't that long ago he was being mentioned as a possible All Australian squad member, yet on Saturday night, he looked lost. 

Ryan Bastinac was brought from North Melbourne to win the contested ball, but would cringe watching some of his efforts against the Magpies.

Lewy Taylor and Josh Green were part of the exciting 'Mozzie Squad' in 2014, but so far this year, there's been a lot of buzz and not much bite.

Taylor was dropped the previous week for his lack of contested ball and pressure, but managed just one tackle against the Pies.

Perhaps the most damning stat of all from the weekend was that third-gamer Ben Keays, playing the same half-forward role as Taylor, racked up a team-high 12 contested possessions. 

Now there's someone who wants to play. 

In three games, Keays has made 19 tackles. Taylor has made 15 in seven games and Green 14 in five. And the latter pair are out-of-contract and hoping to secure big deals.

Like Rich, Hanley and Bastinac, the ability is there. 

While we shouldn't be applauding effort alone from players, Leppitsch needs to start somewhere, and while the back-ups might not be as talented, you know what you'll get from them. 

Draftee Rhys Mathieson was an emergency at the weekend and should debut against the Dees, while Nick Robertson and Billy Evans – although both with their limitations – can be guaranteed to provide a contest. 

Words mean nothing, from the coach or players, it's time for the Lions to act.