Patfull said there had been a different feeling at training after the Lions got on the board for 2011 with a 14-point win over North Melbourne last Saturday night, ending a seven-match losing streak.
However, he said their focus had quickly turned to Sunday's match at AAMI Stadium against Adelaide and ensuring that first victory was not followed by a letdown.
Last season the Lions broke a five-game losing run with a round-10 win over eventual premiers Collingwood, only to follow it with a poor display against the Kangaroos.
"We watched a bit of footage of the Collingwood game and the next week we played North Melbourne and had a pretty disappointing game, so we're aware of that and making sure we don't do the same this year," he said.
Patfull said the best thing about last weekend's win was the Lions' effort and persistence in the second half to turn around a 13-point half-time deficit.
"I think it'll give the boys a bit of confidence. It took a while for us to get that first win so I think now we have it out of the way we can look forward to the rest of the season and push on this week," he said.
"As much as the boys were trying to stay upbeat it's hard when you lose a few in a row.
"Maybe (it's) more a bit of relief. (There's) a few more smiles this week."
Patfull, 26, originally played for Norwood in the SANFL and said he had the utmost respect for the Crows.
He was impressed with their performance against Collingwood last round, where they led by four goals early in the final quarter before being overrun.
Patfull and fellow defensive pillar Daniel Merrett had their hands full last week with Drew Petrie and Aaron Edwards kicking five goals between them, and he expected an Adelaide forward line boasting Kurt Tippett, Shaun McKernan and possibly Taylor Walker to provide similar problems.
"It's always a good challenge playing against good talls," he said.
"Tippett's a good player and McKernan's a good player as well. We'll go into it like every game, it's a big challenge and we'll take it on.
"I reckon they're (Adelaide) playing pretty well. Collingwood are the best team in the comp and they pushed them for three quarters, so we're definitely going to have a big challenge this week."
"Getting off to a good start and get the crowd out of the equation will go a long way."
