Liam Ross moved to Sydney six weeks ago to study law at the Australian Catholic University in North Sydney.

He's playing for UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs in AFL Sydney Premier Division, with the club undefeated after four rounds.

"It's a different style of footy, they're a lot younger, most of our players are 22 and under, we've only got a few 26 or above," he said.

"The other teams we've played are similar, it's almost like an under 25 comp, it's a bit different," he laughed.

Ross debuted for Lavington as a 16-year-old in 2017 and has now played 33 games, including last year's grand final win over Wangaratta.

"I do miss it (Lavington), I'd love to come back at some point, it's my home club and obviously dad (premiership player Anthony) played there, I absolutely love the club," he said.

While this year's O and M season was cancelled due to coronavirus concerns, the Panthers are set to start their 2021 campaign without at least three other grand final players.

Did Simpson medallist Shaun Mannagh signed for VFL outfit Werribee and while the Panthers remain his second club, he's highly unlikely to play as much for the Panthers as he did when facing the limited opportunities at Richmond in 2019.

On-baller Nick Holman has retired, while impressive defender Brad Carman joined Camden in AFL Sydney.

Ross played mostly wing and half-forward at the Panthers under Simon Curtis, who arrived in 2018.

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"He's a bit different to the old style coach, he's a lot more calm and composed, a lot more tactical than screaming and shouting and trying to pump you up, it's good," Ross said.

"You don't play out of fear (of making a mistake), you play because you love it, he really brought that enjoyment back and I think that's how he got the best out of us."