Golden Point will be without captain Andrew Warrick for Saturday's opening clash with Darley in the Ballarat Cricket Association.
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Warrick, who is based in Melbourne, is still unable to travel outside the city's restricted zone due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
The restrictions will see him remain sidelined until measures are eased to allow for travel to and from regional Victoria.
"I've been training myself down here and I'm ready to go as much as possible, but it's a matter of 'wait and see'," he said.
"I'm missing the social interaction more than anything."
Warrick took over the club's captaincy from Josh White earlier this year. Warrick said veteran Pointy Peter Appleton would take on the role in the interim.
Meanwhile defending premier Darley will be without head coach Brian Wheelahan and talented all-rounder Rahmatullah Khwaja - both of who are based in the lockdown zone as well.
Their absences will likely put a damper on the club's flag unveiling ceremony, which will take place before the match.
"It has been a really crap start but at least the boys are getting back to some normality and getting around each other," Wheelahan said.
The Lions were awarded the 2019-20 premiership after the grand final was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They will enter Saturday's clash without four players from last season's side - one of which is Lachie Herring, who will face off against his old side on Saturday for Golden Point. Wheelahan said the Lions would still field a competitive team.
"It gives opportunities for blokes in our firsts and seconds to stand up," he said.
Drew Locke will likely make his debut for the club following a solid performance in a practice match against Mt Clear last week.
