Heyfield Kangaroos are shaping up as early premiership favourites in North Gippsland.
The Kangaroos were the benchmark of the competition in 2009 claiming minor premiership and the flag against reigning premier Churchill and are priming themselves as the side to beat.
Heyfield look the goods with a strong list which remains relatively unchanged, which may see the Kangaroos complete the double for the first time since 2000.
One of four North Gippsland clubs to sign a new coach Churchill under Colin King may find themselves back among the pack.
Taking to the big stage over the past three seasons under Leigh McDonald, the Cougars have worked hard off field to ensure they cover the loss of five premiership players among them Daniel Hawking and the Sutherland brothers Ryan and Jason.
The Cougars will benefit from the return of Troy Jenkins, Chris Burke who returns from a knee reconstruction and a fit Dean Jenkins, while Travis Brighton, Joey Whykes and Nick Campbell have had big preseasons.
Tipped to slide back among the pack in 2009 Gormandale proved critics wrong, sealing a preliminary final berth to only drop the match by four points against eventually premier Heyfield. With the inclusion of forward Dane McGennisken, Lee Stockdale and former League Best and Fairest winner David Downes, coach Shane Hamilton will be expecting big things.
Glengarry proved to be the biggest improver in 2008, but weren't able to recapture that form last season the Magpies sliding from third to ninth.
A number of new Magpies have flown into the nest from neighbouring town and Gippsland League club Traralgon, while the inclusion of Brad Smith, Shane Flowers and Bruce Waite from injury will give new coach Josh King plenty to work with as they push for September action.
Boisdale coach Andrew Gieschen will again expect another finals berth after an arduous preseason, while Woodside has signed the renowned Anthony Pavey as coach following the departure of Travis Ronaldson to the SANFL.
Especially interesting will be the battle expected to rage between the middle of the table sides, who last year made late runs towards September action. Similarly matched and with plenty to prove Rosedale and Sale City will be two sides looking for marked improvement on last seasons results.
Non playing coach Peter Morrison will continue to lay the foundation at Stratford; the Swans enjoyed another successful season in the under 18 competition convincingly claiming back to back premierships. A number of the Swans juniors will be tipped to make permanent appearances at senior level.
Cowwarr will be aiming to fill the void of key player Chris Stasinowsky who makes the move across to Sale, the recruitment of ruckman Paul Joyce, former Yallourn North midfielder Todd Dobson and the acquisition of Shane Galea as Assistant Coach should see the Saints march up the ladder.
While TTU will again be under the watchful eye of premiership coach Brad Heil.
The season commences on the 27th of March.
By Lauren Carey
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