Tallangatta erased a decade-long premiership drought in last year’s decider, overpowering Beechworth by 25 points, but the Bushrangers could be looking over their shoulders when the new season kicks off on April 10.

Last year’s finalists Beechworth, Yackandandah, Thurgoona and Kiewa-Sandy Creek have all bolstered their line-ups, while several teams from outside the top-five look ready to take the next step.

Leading the chasing pack could be perennial powerhouse Mitta United, that missed the finals for only the fifth time since 1952 last season.

The Blues have enjoyed a punishing preseason under new coach Nic Conway, with the club quietly confident about its prospects for the year ahead.

First-year Barnawartha coach Danny DeMarte is also cautious about what 2010 will bring, but is in no doubt his list has improved from last year, when the Tigers crashed from fourth in 2008 to seventh.

With the addition of close to 10 quality recruits, including a clutch of key position talent, Barnawartha should go close to a return to the finals this year.

Former captain Troy Withers, 2008 Barton medallist Cameron McNeil (Longwood), Ryan Bradsworth (Bullioh) and Matt Tinkler (Jerilderie) will all wear black and yellow this year, while the Tigers have also secured several players boasting Ovens and Murray experience, including Wodonga Raiders duo Luke Benstead and Trent Keller, Wodonga pair Heath Ohlin and Shane Laracy and Lavington’s Ben Rogers.

“We’ve been able to add a lot of depth to our list this year, and have brought in a lot of new faces to fill key positions that we were lacking last season,” DeMarte said.

“The commitment from everyone over the summer has been outstanding and I’m really pleased with our preparation ... I believe we have the right mix to take the club forward in 2010.”

Chiltern, who finished last in 2009, will be confident of moving up the ladder under new coach Dane O’Neill, while Rutherglen, Wahgunyah and the Wodonga Saints also have reasons to be optimistic.