Hibbard played the first half as the Dragons lost out 40-31 to Gloucester in the region’s final warm-up clash on Thursday night.
The hooker produced a typically abrasive and physical display at his former club.
And now he wants the Dragons to take that hard edge into the new campaign as they kick-off against Benetton Rugby on home soil next Saturday.
“The first month is massive for us. We have three home games and we know how important it is to get home wins,” he said.
“If we get wins it just builds momentum, gives you confidence and it sets a new precedent.
“The first game is huge. The slate is wiped clean from last year and we want to go out there and start afresh and impose our physicality on people.
“You have seen that in our warm-up games and that is as a team, not just as a pack. We want to be physically abrasive and we want teams to not look forward to coming to Rodney Parade.
“We can’t win every game - not even the All Blacks can do that. But we want teams to dread coming to play us and know they have been in a game and have a few bruises.”
Hibbard also believes the strength in depth at the Dragons this season will push the team to greater heights.
“There is competition across the board for every shirt,” he said.
“If you look across the front row there are options, the same applies for the second row where they have all put their hand up in pre-season.
“That has been a real highlight for me, the way they carry the ball and Brandon (Nansen) is some unit. The same applies for the back row. It’s great that we now have depth.
“We’re in good shape,” added Hibbard. “We played Ealing, who are a good Championship team and who want promotion to the top-flight, and two Premiership teams who will be challenging.
“There have been positives from each game. It has not been perfect, we have stuff to work on, but we are in a good place.
“I’m always glad to get pre-season over – I’m sure all the boys are – and now we can get ready for the first league game at home.”
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