Twilight for the zones?

FORMER All-Australian defender Justin Leppitsch believes teams are finding a way through the defensive zones that have become the trend over the past couple of seasons.

The Brisbane Lions assistant coach says Hawthorn's 2008 premiership victory on the back of its 18-man defensive zone was the catalyst for teams to return to the drawing board.

The Lions' opponents this Saturday night, Adelaide, have also tormented them in recent seasons by limiting the Lions' scoring options.

"Teams have really thought, hang on, we have to have a look at this zone formation, and teams are getting through them now, whereas in the past Adelaide have really stifled not just us but a lot of teams in the competition," Leppitsch said.

"Generally they're long-kicking teams and don't think their way through them (zones), but I think teams now are working their way through them better."

The Lions' own defence has improve markedly, led by rebounding defender Josh Drummond and full-back Daniel Merrett, who leads the competition in one-percenters, a category he also topped in 2008.

"Our defensive numbers are excellent; we've conceded a few inside 50s and we've been the third best team behind St Kilda and Geelong at stopping the opposition from scoring from the times they've come in," Leppitsch said.

"We're finally getting our offensive ball movement down pat and that's a good sign for us."

Leppitsch paid tribute to full-forward Daniel Bradshaw, who is set to become the club's greatest goalkicker since the Brisbane Bears/Fitzroy merger.

The 30-year-old, who was chosen by the Brisbane Bears at pick 56 in the 1995 national draft, has booted 458 goals, just two adrift of Alastair Lynch (460).

Bradshaw has also moved to fourth on the Fitzroy/Brisbane Lions all-time list behind Lynch (633), Jack Moriarty (626) and Bernie Quinlan (576)

"Daniel's been a terrific player. He just churns out the goals, you can't really underestimate him," Leppitsch said.

"He's very much a quiet guy around the footy club, but match day the last couple of years, he's been terrific for us."