A PRIORITY pick would be "helpful", but the Brisbane Lions have not made a formal request to the AFL yet, says coach Justin Leppitsch.

After winning just four games last season and two so far this year, the Lions are the competition's worst performing club the past two years and almost certain to ask for additional draft assistance.

Leppitsch says he would have liked a priority pick last year, such is his thirst to add more young talent to the list.

However, the Lions coach says he also realises the AFL has to service more than just his club.

"From my understanding there's been initial talks but nothing formal from the club that's been mooted," Leppitsch said.

"I know the AFL's looking to change the potential draft system over time and how to help clubs, not just this year for us – you can always have knee jerk reactions – but there's always going to be a club in this position where we're at unfortunately.

"When you've got a young team and you know you need more young talent, you'd like them quicker.

"But you've got to feed the whole competition, not just the Brisbane Lions, so I understand too we have to do our bit and help ourselves out."

Leppitsch says the Lions' young talent is 50 per cent better than when he took over the coaching reigns prior to the 2014 season.

"They're just young and they're not quite ready to be at their best at this stage consistently yet," he said.

Leppitsch said the Lions could also be in the market for an experienced defender during the trade and free agency period to help their young backline.