Bacchus Marsh president Adam Sutherland is confident his Ballarat Football League club will improve this season.
But as for how much, that is the million dollar question.
After just missing a place in the finals last year, the Cobras looked to strengthen their playing list with some important signings in the off-season.
However, the club struck out on a number of key signatures, leaving it a somewhat unknown commodity heading into this week’s first round.
“We had a couple of things with potential recruits that didn’t pan out for various reasons,” Sutherland said.
“There were some key areas we needed to bolster. With those players not coming, it means we weren’t able to do that.
“We are still hopeful of bringing in someone. We have a couple of irons in the fire. We have the funds and the points to do it,” he said.
“We think we have improved on last year. As for how much, we are about to find out.”
Of the players not returning to Bacchus Marsh this season, key forward Peter Shepherd has departed for Northern Football League.
Shepherd booted 51 goals last year.
Steven Shaw has gone to the Eastern Football League, while Alex Sweet has joined the Riddell District Football League.
Bacchus Marsh will kick off its 2016 campaign with a home match against Sunbury.
It will also be the Cobras first official hit-out under new coach Travis Hodgson, who replaced Cameron Richardson.
Hodgson previously coached the Fitzroy Stars in the Northern Football League.
Doug Hawkins to coach
In another coaching change at the club, AFL legend Doug Hawkins signed on in the off-season to lead the Cobras under 19 side.
The 55-year-old has a rich history at Bacchus Marsh having previously coached junior and senior sides at the club.
“It has been awesome to have Doug back at the club,” Sutherland said.
“His under 18s are playing a very exciting brand of football. The way our guys moved the footy in their practice match at the weekend, it was great to see. Our boys love their footy and they are keen to learn. It is great to have Doug at the club to teach them.”
Meanwhile, from a junior perspective, Bacchus Marsh continues to have one of the most successful programs in the region.
The Cobras had six players selected in the Western Jets squads for the 2016 season.
Daniel Foley, Blake Graham, Samuel Griffiths and Nicholas Stuhldreier are in the official Jets TAC Cup squad, while James Dickson and James Vulic are in the under 16 squad.
“We are really proud of those boys and what they have achieved,” Sutherland said.
“The credit really needs to go to those boys, they train hard, they give themselves every opportunity. It is a huge credit to them.”
