A new generation of ACT Brumbies will take centre stage when the Canberra premier division finals begin on Saturday.

It's one of their first opportunities to announce their arrival to Brumbies coach Dan McKellar, and the group of young guns hope fans back them to replace some of the club's greatest servants.

The Brumbies said goodbye a group of departing players at their end of season function on Friday night, hosting a touching tribute for Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight, David Pocock, Josh Mann-Rea and more at the Brett Robinson awards.

But all eyes will be on the replacements, who have a chance to prove they're ready to fill some sizeable shoes next year.

The likes of Noah Lolesio (flyhalf), Lachlan Lonergan (hooker), Len Ikitau (outside centre) and Dracy Swain (lock) will lead Tuggeranong's bid for back to back titles.

Then there's Andy Muirhead (wing) and Connal McInerney for Royals, Mack Hansen (fullback or flyhalf) and Tom Ross (prop) for Gungahlin, although Ross is still recovering from a knee injury.

It's a massive changing of the guard, especially when you consider Lolesio arrived in Canberra last year and was man of the match in the club rugby grand final as a 19-year-old.

BRUMBIES NEWS

He has spent the past 12 months picking Lealiifano's brain and learning the ropes at the under-20s world championship as he prepares to be thrust into Super Rugby.

"It's an honour to be a part of the conversation for next year, I'm going to try to work my hardest and do the right things. If the chance comes [to play Super Rugby], I'll take it," Lolesio said.

"Christian's leadership has been unreal. They're massive shoes to fill, but I really believe we've got a strong young group coming through. In my eyes, the future of the Brumbies is looking pretty bright.

"I've asked so many questions [of Lealiifano] this year and he seems like he's got all the time in the world to answer them. He's been amazing, a real genuine person.

"I try not to think about it being daunting [next year], I just want to enjoy my footy."

The Tuggeranong Vikings will play Royals in the major semi-final on Saturday, with the winner advancing straight to the grand final.

The loser will play the winner of the clash between the Gungahlin Eagles or Uni-Norths Owls, who meet in an elimination semi-final on Sunday.

The John I Dent Cup finals series and the looming National Rugby Championship campaign for the Canberra Vikings will help McKellar formulate a plan for his squad next season.

"It's a bit hard to think about next season now, but it's obviously in the back of your head," said Hansen, who made his Brumbies debut this year.

"You always want to put your name forward. As long as I'm winning for the Eagles, that's all I'm worried about at the moment.

"We've lost a lot of big names [at the Brumbies], so there's definitely going to be a different feel around the club. But we've kept a good core of senior guys who will lead from the front. A lot of people are going to step up next year."

The Eagles were in a perfect position to secure their first minor premiership since 2007 before they stumbled in the last round and slipped to third on the ladder last week.

They will run into the Owls, who are chasing their first finals win in almost 20 years.

The Vikings finished at the top of the table, with the Royals chasing in second to ensure the southside rivals prepare to battle for the second week in a row.

"To have them two weeks in a row, it will be tough on the body," hooker McInerney said. "But we'll be right up for it."

JOHN I DENT CUP FINALS

Saturday: Tuggeranong Vikings v Royals at Viking Park, 3.25pm.

Sunday: Gungahlin Eagles v Uni-Norths Owls at Viking Park, 3.25pm.