WHILE admitting Sunday's drought-breaking win over Essendon was a relief, young Brisbane Lion Tom Cutler says it's "only the start".

Cutler was instrumental in helping snap the 12-game losing streak, kicking two goals, but said the Lions must use the victory as a springboard over the final five rounds, beginning against Port Adelaide this weekend. 

Ess v BL: Full match coverage and stats

"We know there's a long road ahead and this is only the start," Cutler said.

"We're not kidding ourselves. We've got many games left to win and we want to win them all. 

"Leppa was pretty calm and he reinforced the message that this is only the beginning and our group has got to stay united and we can't afford to rest on one win. 

"We've got to continue on, and that starts this weekend with the Power." 

Cutler said the 37-point win over the Bombers, that moved the Lions a game clear of the bottom, was a relief after weeks of turmoil and speculation about coach Justin Leppitsch's future.

It was also the first time five Lions – Ben Keays, Eric Hipwood, Reuben William, Rhys Mathieson and Matthew Hammelmann – had experienced a victory.

Cutler said despite the scrutiny in the lead-up to the game, the players were able to stay focused on the job at hand.

"For our guys to get a win on an away track when we weren't expected to … it just builds great faith, great belief," he said.

"We know we beat Port Adelaide at the Gabba last year, and we play them again this week, so we're hoping to beat them again."