Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has backed in his defenders to continue their good form after Luke Hodge retires.
The veteran was a late withdrawal last week with a calf injury but the Lions still secured victory against Adelaide by one point.
Fagan believes the young back line including Harris Andrews, Darcy Gardiner, Ryan Lester and Alex Witherden are already making the most of the four-time premiership player’s advice.
"We've had a few occasions in the last couple of years where Luke hasn't played,” the Brisbane coach said.
"He didn't play (against Hawthorn) in Launceston last year in a game we won, we were able to beat Adelaide the other day.
"It's good to see when that happens.
"I think if he was standing here, he'd say to you that we didn't miss him much at all because other guys stood up in his absence, which is the idea.
"Luke's not going to play for the Brisbane Lions forever and he's trying to leave a legacy.
"We were really pleased with guys like Ryan Lester, Alex Witherden and Harris Andrews, their level of communication and organisation at the back end of the ground was exceptional.
"Hodgey's all about leaving a legacy, and there was a little example of that last week."
The Lions will aim to back up their one-point win over Adelaide when they face Fremantle on Sunday.