Bacchus Marsh is putting in the hard yards on the track with the side hoping to return to Ballarat Football League finals.
The Cobras are averaging more than 40 on the track a night so far, impressing new playing coach Tom German.
German, who is in his first coaching role, said things were looking really good early on.
He said he was really enjoying the move to the club and was being embraced by everyone.
“The club has been really welcoming and people are putting their hands up to do the small things, making the transition into coaching easier.
“I’ve found motivation levels across the whole group has been really good. We haven’t had under 30-35 blokes at training.
“It’s pleasing to see.”
The Cobras have added seven or eight players that are expected to add to the current group.
German has used his contacts from his former clubs, in bringing players across.
Bryce Carroll, who was on Essendon’s rookie list with German, has signed having previously played with Albury in the Ovens and Murray Football League and Aspley in the QAFL.
German said Carroll would prove some good on field leadership.
German’s former Mansfield teammates Jackson Kirley, Ryan Bartlett and Lachie Christopher have followed him to Bacchus Marsh.
Barlett will be a playing assistant coach.
Former Calder Cannons and Coburg assistant coach Brent Taylor will be a non-playing assistant coach.
“We’ve got a good structure off field,” he said.
“Not just with Brent, but also a few others on the sidelines as line coaches.
“It’s really important for me as a playing coach. I spent the first week navigating how I wanted to run things and then re-sign players and then look who to bring in.”
German said they had kept the majority of last year’s squad together. Former skipper Liam Mullen in the big out having moved to Warrnambool.
With the high retention, German said they were in a good spot.
The group headed on a pre-season trip on the weekend to Anglesea, before getting into the practice matches.
German said he was keen to get a look at his new side in action.
“Seeing the players are training and work ethic is really good.
“Come practice matches I can see how they play.”
