The 23-year-old has made a home for himself in the side's new-look back six that now includes speedy pair Conor McKenna and Darcy Wilmot.
Their slingshot method was in full flow in a win over Richmond last week which Coleman thinks "proved a point".
Their third-straight impressive victory came after a moment of introspection that could be the turning point of the Lions' (11-4, third) season.
"We didn't want that game to happen, but it happened," the Katherine product told AAP of their shock loss to Hawthorn a month ago.
"We had a pretty good, hard review on it ... especially our defensive side.
"It was poor; I remember that Monday, we touched on what needs to happen from now on.
"We needed to start performing if we want to go far into September."
Veteran backman Daniel Rich hasn't played since then, slotted into a training block with out-of-form forward Jack Gunston after a heart-to-heart with coach Chris Fagan.
Coleman, who began his Lions career in the forwards, has been one of the club's most exciting prospects in the backline over the last two seasons.
But he has felt the pressure since Rich's demotion and says his halfback clique are playing with the former All-Australian in mind.
"He's a wonderful player and it's pretty selfless to put his hand up," Coleman said of Rich.
"Me personally, I know I've got to start performing because I'm not a walk-up (start); me, Darcy, Conor, want to keep playing well.
"As soon as we turn the ball over, it's about just being able to go.
"We want to challenge them."
Known as 'Kiddy', Coleman said he never saw himself as a defender.
"In juniors I played in the midfield and realised I didn't have the tank, and in under-17s I played a bit of defence but wasn't really taking it seriously until a couple of years ago," he said.
Academy product Coleman dominated in an undefeated NEAFL season with Brisbane to earn his AFL start as a pinch-hitting small-forward.
"I was pretty good on offence but wanted to work on defence and last year I had a good, hard look at myself," he said.
"And I ended up having a pretty good year, but I'm trying to be more consistent now.
"We (he, Wilmot and McKenna) all bring great strengths to the side and if we do that everything takes care of itself."
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