Last season's loss to Central Coast on penalties at AAMI Park proved the final match before multiple senior players moved on, and coach Jeff Hopkins refreshed a tired squad.
Matildas trio Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik, Alana Murphy, veteran Lia Privitelli and internationals Ellie Wilson and Sara D'Appolonia were among those to leave or retire.
But the list of inclusions has been impressive, including Rhianna Pollicina, Grace Maher, American striker Kennedy White, Taylor Ray, Sienna Saveska, Zoe McMeeken and Chelsea Blissett.
It's the type of refresh attacking midfielder Rachel Lowe believes Victory needed.
"We've recruited really well and in the positions that we needed, and then we've kept great depth," Lowe told AAP.
"So it's a nice balance. We're looking really sharp this year.
"Obviously you lose players, but I think we've done a really good job to freshen up and have a new style of play as well. So it's worked out really well.
"This year, we want to try and win as much silverware as possible, like we've got the team to do that - on paper we've got such a strong team this year and good depth as well.
"So we should be aiming for the premiership and the championship and I think everyone's aligned with what we want."
Fresh off beating Western Sydney 4-1 last week, Victory (1-0-1) host Central Coast (1-0-1) at The Home of the Matildas in Bundoora on Saturday.
Lowe is adamant Victory have moved on ahead of facing the Mariners - who lost to Melbourne City 4-0 last week - for the first time since their grand final defeat.
"You always remember that game," she said.
"But to be honest, their team's so different this year, and we've also got quite a few changes as well, so we're looking at it as a fresh start.
"There's always that thought in the back of your head, but to be honest, we just take it as another game.
"We go into every game wanting to win and win convincingly. So I don't think the opponent matters as much as people maybe would think on the outside.
"We just look at it as focusing on ourselves and then preparing as best we can for that - and I'm pretty confident that with our team this year, we can beat anyone."
Elsewhere, Melbourne City are away in Vietnam for the start of their Women's Asian Champions League campaign so have the bye.
On Saturday, Sydney FC will chase their first win when they host Perth Glory at Leichhardt Oval.
On Sunday, Wellington host Newcastle at Porirua Park before Brisbane take on Western Sydney at Perry Park.
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