THE LIONS might have finally won that illusive premiership in 2021, but they start fresh this weekend.

Brisbane is back at the starting line with thirteen other sides all with the same goal: lifting the cup aloft in April. 

"We've got the goal of winning the premiership this year, same as every year. I think we've got to move on, we can't celebrate the past too much, we can't be stuck there forever," new captain Breanna Koenen said. 

Last year's experience did, however, allow the already tight group to grow even closer. 

"I think we were pretty close last year but having that sort of success and sharing all those really special moments together, has definitely brought us closer," said Koenen.

"We've got a pretty awesome group." 

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Their group has added some new faces, recruiting experienced defender Phoebe Monahan alongside a raft of draftees. 

"She obviously brings a whole heap of experience, coming from two different clubs," Koenen explained.

"But just having her around the team, as well as a more experienced player having, unfortunately lost Zilks [Emma Zielke] and Loz [Lauren Arnell] has been really important to our group. I'm really excited to see what she can do this year." 

The Lions possess a team-first mindset one and off the field, focused on the greater good instead of any individual recognition. 

After breaking the AFLW record for one-percenters in the Grand Final, Brisbane saw that as another big win and recognition of something they value internally. 

FOLLOW THE LEADER Your club’s leadership group for 2022

"The team-first thing is a standard we try to live by, and I hope that comes across on the field. I think it's what won us the premiership in the end, so hopefully we can replicate that this year." 

Brisbane's 2022 campaign begins where last year's ended – in South Australia against the Adelaide Crows. 

"I think it's sort of fitting with everything that's going on, we're just excited to be able to play and obviously coming up against massive rivals," Koenen said.

"We've always had a massive rivalry with the Crows so it'll be a special round one." 

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Head-to-head, Brisbane leads the Crows 4-2, but Koenen believes it'll still be a tight contest.

"They're always super competitive," she said.

"It's always a tough challenge coming up against them, especially early in the season. It will definitely test us but we're more ready than ever."