Last year the Lions improved significantly to win 10 games and finish 13th, but just two of those victories – upsets over West Coast and Adelaide – came against teams that finished higher on the ladder.
The mid-table teams made light work of the Lions.
The Lions lost all eight matches they played against teams that finished sixth to 12th, losing by an average of 42 points, and they were rarely competitive apart from pushing St Kilda to the wire in round 16.
At the same time, the Kangaroos were winning 14 matches and making their way to the finals.
After a shaky 1-2 start to their 2013 campaign after their NAB Cup success, the Lions want to prove they have taken a step forward, starting Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
Impressive half-forward Rohan Bewick said it was last year's mid-table teams the Lions had pin-pointed as crucial combatants this season.
"The last few years, we have really struggled with those teams around us," Bewick said.
"They're the games we're really focusing on this year.
"We're really going to go after those teams from 12 to six on the ladder (in 2012) and aim for it to not happen in the future."
North Melbourne provides a stern examination despite losses against Collingwood, Geelong and the Sydney Swans to start its season.
Bewick said the Lions were taking little notice of North's 0-3 record and had been impressed by their play during the early rounds, adding that it was a great opportunity to right the wrongs of the round one hiding against the Western Bulldogs at the same venue.
"They've played three good teams so far," Bewick said.
"We're not counting them as a 0-3 traditional team. We know they're a massive game for us.
"All three teams, Collingwood, Geelong and Sydney, they've pushed them all deep into the game.
"They're playing real good footy, real attacking footy, got a strong midfield and it's going to take our boys' best in the midfield."
The Lions midfield appears to have taken another hit, with youngster Jared Polec likely to spend several weeks on the sideline with an ankle injury sustained against the Suns.
Polec's injury came just days after Claye Beams' season was written off with an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his knee.
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
