That's all you are at the moment. Until (if) you back it up this year... happy to reassess then.
Make no mistake... I'd rather be in your position as reigning premiers than finishing 7th like my club and getting eliminated in Week One of the finals. Doesn't mean you're suddenly going to blitz 2018 as well - just ask the Western Bulldogs (2016). In a couple of months time we all start at 0-0 again.
but they are preparing to not have a premiership hangover? nobody else has done that before...