In-form Lions only scratching the surface: Dunkley

Brisbane will be aiming to make it five wins on the trot when they take on Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

JOSH DUNKLEY.
JOSH DUNKLEY. Picture: Dylan Burns/via Getty Images

Brisbane midfielder Josh Dunkley feels the Lions are only just scratching the surface of their potential ahead of Friday night's clash with Carlton at Marvel Stadium.

Since starting the season with two losses from their first three games, Brisbane have reeled off four straight wins to shoot back into the premiership picture.

Last week's 48-point demolition of Fremantle showcased the Lions' firepower, and they'll be aiming to continue that hot form when they face Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

Dunkley joined former Hawk Jack Gunston, ex-Bomber Conor McKenna, former Saint Darragh Joyce and father-son recruit Will Ashcroft as major ins this year, and Brisbane have improved significantly since their 54-point round-one loss to Port Adelaide.

"I don't think anything's changed. I think it's more just the click," Dunkley told reporters on Tuesday.

"Everyone talks about getting new players in - I'm one of those new players.

"Being able to build that chemistry - it's hard to do without those real games of footy. Now we're starting to learn how each other play, and we're really gelling as a group.

"It's showing out on the field, and it's exciting moving forward, because I feel like we're just scratching the surface on that."

Dunkley, who played 116 games for the Western Bulldogs across seven seasons, has made a strong start to his life as a Lion.

The 26-year-old is averaging 24 disposals and 5.4 clearances per game this season, but he is yet to kick a goal.

It's in stark contrast to last season, when he booted 18.11.

"I haven't hit the scoreboard yet, I've kicked a couple of points," Dunkley said.

"It would be nice to come around soon and get the song going at the Gabba, it would be pretty cool."

When asked what song he had chosen to be played when he finally kicks a goal at home, Dunkley had to be reminded he had selected Wagon Wheel.

"It's pretty bad that I can't remember," Dunkley said with a grin.

Carlton enter Friday night's match in the hottest of form after pulverising West Coast by 108 points last week in a match where Charlie Curnow booted nine goals.

The Lions will be without star duo Daniel Rich (calf) and Dayne Zorko (hamstring) for up to three weeks.