After another tumultuous off-season, the Demons are focused on fulfilling their potential and reclaiming a place amongst the competition's heavyweight sides.
They start the new campaign against the red-hot Giants on Sunday at the MCG, buoyed by the pre-season form of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca.
The star pair, who were the subject of much trade speculation after last season, re-join Jack Viney and ruck star Max Gawn in the midfield.
"The start of pre-season was a big step forward for us and both those guys have put in a power of work, as have the rest of the group, to get themselves in a position," Goodwin said.
"One of our great strengths as a team is to win contest and have some really strong power around the footy.
"Those two guys certainly give that to us."
Melbourne have named five debutants, including last year's first-round draft picks Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay.
They face a GWS outfit that comprehensively dismantled Collingwood in opening round without ace midfielder Tom Green, who returns from a calf complaint.
Finn Callaghan and Josh Kelly made hot starts to the season as the Giants made a massive early statement in response to last year's horror finals fade-outs.
"Every phase of their game was in really good order (against Collingwood)," Goodwin said.
"Their pressure on the ball and the way they defended the ground was outstanding, and obviously we all saw the tsunami when they're at their best.
"We certainly know what we're up against and they've got high-quality players, but we're not daunted by that.
"We think we're in a position where we can really challenge some of the best teams in the competition and that's what we'll be looking to do."
GWS have lost Kieren Briggs to concussion in a significant blow, leaving back-up Lachie Keeffe and second-year tall Max Gruzewski to take on Melbourne captain Gawn in the ruck.
"We've just got to limit his impact," Giants coach Adam Kingsley said.
"He's a star of the competition and has been for a long time.
"We're very mindful of the strength of him and what he can do for their midfield, providing first options for them and allowing them to get their stoppage game up and going.
"We're just asking our boys to compete, and that's all we can ask them."
Sunday's fixture has added significance for Melbourne, who will honour club great Jim Stynes.
It has been dubbed "Jim's Game", raising money for the foundation named in Stynes' honour, with the Demons to wear a green shamrock on their jumper.
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