The side, which won all 21 of its games last year, is adopting a "new team" mindset before this year's ANZ Premiership opening round.
It faces a tough weekend first up, playing the other two playoff teams from last season in as many days.
The Northern Mystics await on Sunday - the first Super Sunday of the year - before the Central Pulse on Monday.
There will be plenty of eyes on those two games after last season's success, but the Steel is not letting that be a burden.
"No, I don't think so," Steel assistant coach Lauren Piebenga said when asked if 2017 had an impact on preparations.
"I think we've got clear minds and clear objectives.
"We're certainly approaching it as a new season and a new group.
"We're looking forward to the challenges it brings without the pressure of last year being a successful season."
It has been a long pre-season - the regular season is starting late due to the Commonwealth Games - and there is plenty of excitement within the group.
Both Silver Ferns - Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Shannon Francois - returned last week and have fitted back into the side well. Defender Courtney Elliott (19) arrived this week as Malysha Kelly's replacement and is making a strong early impression.
Having everyone together is a bonus and, while happy with the pre-season, Piebenga said things went up a level once the real thing started.
"We know it's going to be a really big step up from what we've had.
"Pre-season was fabulous, but it also was pre-season.
"We know once those competition points are on the line it's a whole new ball game.
"Its going to be tough physically, mentally and backing up first up will be be a big challenge, but something we've trained for, so we're feeling ready."
From there the side would take a "one game at a time" approach.
Its goal was to keep delivering strong performances and to continue to improve throughout the season.
The team will be at full-strength for this weekend, although captain Wendy Frew is likely to play only half of each game as she continues her comeback from a ruptured achilles.
