Don't expect the Brisbane Lions to take a step backwards out of complacency in 2020.

The young squad was one of the feel good stories of 2019, finishing the home and away in second place, with 11 more wins than it had in 2018.

Captain Dayne Zorko says you only need to look at what happened to Melbourne last year to see what happens when you take the foot off the pedal.

'We had the experience with Melbourne last year," Zorko said.

"They finished second or third or whatever it might have been in 2018."

"We now know you can't rest on your laurels. The wins and losses from last year are irrelevant now"

Melbourne actually finished the home and away season in fifth place, but made it through to a preliminary final before tumbling down to 17^th in 2019.

In order for the Lions to avoid that, the team has brought in a group mindset where every player has gone above and beyond what they're required to do over the off-season.

"In mid-October there were 25 guys training with each other. They don't need to do that, you're on holidays."

"I think you can see the determination in the group, they want to get better and strive for more."

Another key factor to maintaining the same level of success in 2020 is avoiding the dreaded injury curse.

The Lions barely had to look to their depth last season, with one of the shortest injury lists in the competition.

Bringing in Grant Birchall, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Callum Ah Chee from an on-field standpoint improves the list, but all three players have struggled with injuries consistently over the last few years.

Forward Eric Hipwood says the Lions' injury prevention program has a strong track record and should continue again this year.

"Players like Lincoln McCarthy, they've come in and have been injured but have found a way to play," Hipwood said.

"Hopefully we can replicate that with Grant Birchall who should be a nice addition to our footy club."

"Callum Ah Chee hasn't missed a session and he's been training really well."

"They're fully fit and playing well in the intra-club matches we've been playing as well."

The Lions will start their new campaign on March 22 against Hawthorn at the MCG.