Despite boasting a winning percentage of almost 63 per cent in the past three completed campaigns, the Lions have struggled to capitalise come finals.
But the return of Butts to Lonsdale Reserve will go a long way to rectifying that trend.
“I'm going back to Mulwala to hopefully have some success, it's good to be back,” Butts said.
“Hopefully we get a season up, it would be tough to go two years without footy. It's obviously been a couple of pre-seasons in a row now.
“Half of our side live in Yarrawonga, so they've been involved with all of the Victorian rules and lockdowns. Being on both sides of the border hasn't been ideal.
“But it's exciting that it's back on the horizon now and we're back into it.”
A core midfield duo of Butts and Gash is enough to scare any opposition side, but there are plenty of other Lions ready to put in a career best year.
“Harry Crossley is lighting up the track,” Butts said.
“Sean Johns has bounced back really well from his broken ankle a couple of years ago as well.
“We've got a good core group of young kids, so hopefully they can step up this season.”
Dylan Robinson returns to the Lions as well, while Dylan Flanagan is among those heading elsewhere.
FAST FACTS
COACHES: JASON SANDERSON, JACKSON GASH AND BODHI BUTTS MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1990 2019 FINISH: SIXTH (11-1-8) 2019 BEST AND FAIREST: JACKSON GASH 2019 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: SEAN ROBINSON (39) GROUND: LONSDALE RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS
PLAYER CHANGES
IN: Bodhi Butts (Tungamah), Dylan Robinson.
OUT: Dylan Flanagan.
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