But if 2018 ended a week earlier than they'd hoped, with a preliminary final loss to Griffith, the Lions are well aware that 2019 starts with no promises as they tackle the Eagles on Saturday.

For starters, two of last year's key figures, Josh Bubnich and Scott Proctor, won't be there for round one and the Lions are yet to confirm their availability after Easter.

"Josh Bubnich is probably doubtful," Macri said.

"Scott's likely, at this stage. We're just waiting on a few things (with work commitments)... but nothing's concrete yet."

Coupled with the departure of goalkicking sensation Riley Corbett, GGGM could look a little different but Macri is excited about the 'natural growth' he hopes to see from players like Dan Foley, Tom Anderson and Jack Sase on the back of last year's experience.

The excitement of playing finals again also lifted leaders like ruckman Jacob Olsson and captain Ben Walsh and Macri said, going into his second season in this stint, the players know what's expected and the coaches can ask for more. 

"The 18, 19, 20-year-olds, they still haven't played their best footy and that's been part of the pre-season - being able to push them harder because they're physically stronger again and they're able to cope," Macri said.

"From a fitness point of view we've certainly pushed our boys harder than 12 months ago... and (in terms of our game plan) the boys know what's required and they know how our best footy looks and the new guys coming in complement that.

"It's just a matter of going and putting it in to action now."

Jethro Peck, who kicked four goals in 15 minutes in last year's preliminary final, will be backed as a key forward in between relieving Olsson in the ruck. 

Macri said, as with the entire team, it's a balance between growing in confidence to keep improving, without taking anything for granted. 

"We'll play the same style of footy and we've got a lot of the same personnel, there's only been a few changes," he said.

"But every season's different. There's no guarantee that finishing third last year gets you back there again.

"Other sides improve with what they bring and how they go and the whole competition changes so there's no sitting there thinking, 'Yeah, we're going to finish in the finals again and away we go.'

"We've got to earn that right again and the only thing we can do on Saturday is win and start the season on a good note."