It will be an even younger South Morang side this year in Northern Football League division 3.
With the departure of several senior players in the offseason, Lions coach Gary Hall has backed the younger players to do the job.
The core of the Lions losing grand final side last year was 21 and under and more players who are coming through will get chances.
“We’re kicking along alright at the moment,” he said.
“We’ve got a few changes to the grand final side, but the core group is returning which has been good,” Hall said.
“A few guys are seeking an opportunity at division 1, while a few others have left me scratching my head.
“We’ve been focusing on the young guys coming through.”
Among the outs for the Lions are Anthony Capeci, Daniel Watson, Jordan Steele, Raafet Rachrache, Jake Potter, Wayne Pavitt and skipper Mitch Buckley.
Hall said they hadn’t gone out to recruit a lot of players, rather looking to build within.
He said the leaders within the club had been really good with the young playing group.
“We’ve got some talented guys that are another year older and bigger and stronger,” he said.
“We retained most of our midfield.
“There’s some young boys in the under-17s we are keeping our eyes on. There’s few of the guys who played reserves and couldn’t get a crack in the side, as we were playing so well.”
Hall said despite the changes, they were confident of still being able to match it with everyone this season.
“When you’re young you are always competitiove and hungry,” he said.
“We’re focusing on being competitive and with that you will always we in the game and a chance to win.”
The club is looking for under-19 players.
The Lions start their season on April 7 against Kilmore.
