Co-captain Ben Carter believes Dragons can take confidence into the new season after a summer of new faces and fresh ideas.
The Men of Gwent kick-off proceedings in the BKT United Rugby Championship away against Ulster at Affidea Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 8.05pm).
Dragons are buoyed by successive victories in pre-season and a new-look squad after a summer recruitment drive.
And Carter believe the team can go into the new campaign with optimism and belief.
“We go into the new season confident and in a good place,” he said. “Looking around the squad, there's a lot of change, but it feels like we've got a lot of depth.
“Pre-season went well; the boys worked hard and just looking forward to getting some league games.
“I think that depth is huge for us. The injuries really impacted us last year.
“There are a lot of new people in the building with different ideas and just a confidence, so we're looking forward to getting stuck into things."
Carter starts the season the second room alongside milestone man Matthew Screech who plays his 200th game for Dragons – becoming only the second man to hit that magical number.
“It’s Matthew 200th game and we want it to be a good occasion for him,” he said.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement, isn't it? You don't hear that very often, to play that many games for one club it's amazing.
“Everyone loves Screech and we want to make it a special day for him.”
Dragons were edged out 34-30 back in March when the two sides met at Rodney Parade.
And it is a result that Carter is eager to eradicate from the memory with a positive performance out in Belfast.
“The result against Ulster last season is one that we were disappointed with,” he stated.
“I thought the performance was good then, so we need to build on it. We’re just hoping to go out there and really put our game on them.”
As for his own season, the Wales international is just eager to get playing after a frustrating campaign last season.
“I'm feeling really good and the bodies feeling probably the best I’ve I felt for a while. The knees and hamstring are feeling really good,” he smiled.
“It was a frustrating end to last season, but I have hopefully got the opportunity to get some games in now.
“So, I’m just grateful that that body's feeling good and hopefully I’ll be able to play these first few games.
There are a lot of new people in the building with different ideas and just a confidence, so we're looking forward to getting stuck into things...
