And Barnes is confident the club can manage to play it's first-choice team despite the introduction of the new points cap system.

Next season, all Ballarat Cricket Association first grade teams will be forced to follow the system, which gives cricketers a rating based on their playing history. Teams must remain under a specified cap of points.

Import Harry Killoran, fast bowler Madushanka Ekanayaka and wicket-keeper/batsman Anthony Taylor were among the big signings for the Lions before last season, while the return of star international Danza Hyatt was massive in the club's success.

"Our list won't change," Barnes said.

"I think on this year's side we probably would have been near smack on or just over (the cap), but then obviously every year you play at a club you lose a point.

"Even though we have that perception of recruits and internationals - which obviously do make us better, don't get me wrong - we still go in there with probably five or six blokes each week which are Darley cricketers.

"I think we will have no issue fielding our best side."

READ MORE: Darley having a big crack at flag with lots of key signing

READ MORE: Cricket points system set to come in

Barnes said while Killoran had returned home, Hyatt was still in Australia due to restrictions placed around travel because of the COVID-19 crisis.

Darley was awarded this season's first grade premiership - its breakthrough triumph in the BCA - when the season was called off before the grand final due to the coronavirus.