Brisbane midfielder Josh Dunkley knows all too well how hard it is to reach the top of the mountain in the AFL world.
Before his life in Queensland, Dunkley claimed a premiership in his second season with the Western Bulldogs in 2016, only to fall off a cliff the year following and miss the finals.
In recent years, as the competition becomes more even, the difficulty has risen in replicating the ultimate success 12 months later.
Geelong failed to reach September after claiming the 2022 flag. Collingwood the same.
But the Lions, after securing their fourth premiership in their history with a historic finals run and 60-point victory over Sydney, say they've learnt from those who have failed before them.
"That was a long time ago, my second season," Dunkley told reporters on Sunday ahead of the club's Opening Round clash against Geelong.
"We have talked about it, knowing a few sides have been through it.
"But it's just on us. It's our responsibility; everyone here at the club wants to get to where we got to last year again and that starts this week."
The Lions have largely been unimpacted by the pre-season injury carnage that has plagued multiple clubs.
But after multiple years at the top, despite its difficulty, Dunkley believes that Brisbane is in charge of its destiny, following on from coach Chris Fagan's "If you're on thin ice, you may as well dance" messaging mid-way through 2024.
"Mentality is a choice and we have a choice," Dunkley said.
"The last few years we've been a really good side, so there's no reason why this year the mentality changes just because we won a premiership.
"It's all about the present and being in the right frame of mind.
"And we've preached the right message to the boys this year and are not looking any further than this week.
"If you think that it's easy, then it won't happen."
Fagan will have his hands full at the selection after a host of youth and experienced players are looking to enter the senior side.
Ruckman Oscar McInerney was the heartbreak story of last year's triumph after dislocating his shoulder in the preliminary final to miss the following week.
Draftees Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall are well within their rights to lay claim for a role in the top flight, especially the former, who has dominated the two pre-season clashes.
Then the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) victims of Lincoln McCarthy, Darcy Gardiner, Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee looking to regain their roles under Fagan in the opening weeks of 2025.
"It's going to be tough for spots," Dunkley admitted.
"I'm glad I'm not the coach but I'm sure they'll pick the best 23. The team chemistry is obviously going to be the priority."
Ty Gallop and Sam Day will battle it out for Joe Daniher's spot.
Defender Brandon Starcevich (concussion) is the only confirmed player who will be absent from Thursday's season opener.
