Former Blue Tom Bell will be reacquainted with his former teammates when he plays his first game against Carlton on Saturday.
The 24-year-old, who was recruited back to his home state in the off season, said that while his former club is enjoying a surge up the ladder, he is committed to the Lions for the long term.
"We have the youngest list in the AFL; we've only got three or four players over the age of 26," he told The Age.
"The more games we get into the young guys like Josh Schache, Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson, those guys have shown over the past couple of weeks the potential they have to become great players. We'll definitely be a team to watch out for when they get more runs in the legs."
Bell collected three Brownlow votes the last time the two sides clashed at Etihad Stadium in Round 6, 2015.
"I've still got a lot of mates there; I've kept in touch with quite a few of the guys, and I'm sure there's going to be a bit of stick thrown, but I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
Following Saturday's clash against the Blues, the Lions' tough opening draw will ease. They'll play four of their next five matches in Queensland.
"I think the confidence of the group's definitely growing. The whole playing group's really tight-knit, I'm actually really excited about what the next 12 weeks of the year has got in store for us. I'm hoping we can string a few wins together."
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