The first group of Brisbane Lions players descended on the Gabba this morning as the pre-season kicked off for another season.

While the group of 1-4 year players had nine weeks to enjoy their break, they were eager to get back to the den and start training again.

Lions midfielder Billy Evans headed overseas before visiting family and friends in his hometown of Bendigo.

“I’m pretty keen to get started, it was a good break but it’s time to get back into it,” Evans told LionsTV earlier today.

The young midfielder had plenty of time to think about the season and feedback received from his end of season review.

“I got a couple of games which was good and was what I had to do,” said Evans.

“I think the coaches expect me to build on that and hopefully get a few more games out of this year.”

Looking ahead, Evans is keen to build up his fitness and to “keep up with the other boys in the midfield.”

Evans can see a big year ahead for second-year player Josh Watts, noting that he’d returned from the off-season carrying more weight.

“He (Watts) has come back good. He’s put a bit of weight on so he’ll be able to push the big boys around and keep up with them.”

While the new kids on the block, Tom Bell and Jarrad Jansen, joined their new teammates today with Evans giving them the tick of approval.

“I met them for the first time today.”

“They both seem like really nice blokes so I think they’ll fit in really well.”