New coach Justin Leppitsch has had four months in the job since taking over from the sacked Michael Voss, and Merrett says the changes are now starting to take shape.
The Lions have had two match simulation training sessions in the past week to sharpen their edge ahead of their first NAB Challenge match against Hawthorn on February 13.
Jordan Lisle kicked five goals in Monday morning's hit-out, and Merrett believes the former Hawk is ready to stake a claim to be a forward-half regular.
Lisle has played 13 games in two seasons since moving to the Lions, including eight last year, but has never cemented a spot.
He's not the only new face Merrett believes will play.
"Luke McGuane has come up from Richmond and has been performing really well at training.
"Our forward line will probably look different this year than what we've got used to."
Merrett himself has often been used in attack as the Lions search for a both a sidekick and long-term replacement for ageing champion Jonathan Brown.
Merrett said Leppitsch had been clear with the style of game he wanted to play.
"We've got a pretty specific way we want to move the ball and a very specific way we want to set up when the ball goes in our forward line," he said.
"Basically we're trying to turn the ball over as quick as possible up the field. That's what we've been working on."
Merrett was one of a number of excited Lions to welcome Australia Zoo's Irwin family – Terri, Bindi and Robert – as ambassadors for the coming season.
Watch carefully by zoo handlers, two six-month-old tiger cubs roamed around the Gabba and had snaps taken with most of the Lions team.
The players looked just as excited to meet the Irwins as vice versa.
The zoo will be the official match day sponsor when the Lions host Richmond on April 17, Easter Thursday.
"We might set a few tigers free in their (Richmond) change-rooms," Merrett joked.
"I think what the Irwin family brings to Queensland … it's great to have a relationship with them."
Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
