KEY BRISBANE Lions forward Josh Schache won't have his new coach pestering him about whether he will be at the club in 2018.

Out of contract, the 19-year-old is in no rush to re-sign with the Lions, although he is happy at the club that chose him at No.2 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft. 

But coach Chris Fagan told AFL.com.au he didn't bother with such matters, focusing more on what he can do right now to help the player and the group improve. 

"I don't ask him [about his contract]," Fagan said.

"I and the other coaches just try to create the best environment we can for him so that he can improve and grow as a player. That is our part of the deal and that is what we will stick to."

Schache performed well in his first season kicking 18 goals in 17 games but Fagan said supporters should not expect too much from him in 2017.

The coach said plenty of pressure was placed on Schache in 2016 because of the Lions' situation but he was no different to other key forwards and would need time to develop.

"We have just got to keep Josh realistic and striving and not feel like he is under pressure to be too good too soon," Fagan said.

"We have got to let the rest of the world know he is just a young and developing player and that he will gradually improve, but don't expect the world from him."

Fagan has shown Schache the statistics of Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead in their first season at Hawthorn and told the youngster that he compares favourably to them. 

In their first season at the Hawks, Franklin kicked 21 goals in 20 games while Roughead kicked six goals in 16 games.

Fagan is also conscious the game is even harder now for key forwards and has not ruled out mixing up roles for Schache occasionally to keep him fresh and learning.

"That is something we need to do with Josh," Fagan said.

"It is a hard game for forwards now. It used to be a lot easier before teams started flooding back and defensive systems and structures came in." 

With the talented Eric Hipwood joining the club at the same time as Schache, Michael Close showing signs in the JLT Community Series and Jono Freeman and Josh Walker also capable of stepping up, the Lions have some depth when it comes to tall forwards. 

However the No.2 pick could become a mainstay for the Lions forward line with Fagan hopeful Schache will be available for selection in round one against Gold Coast after hurting his medial ligament at training recently.