Despite being one of the last coaches in the Hume league to be appointed, Mansell has wasted little time in adding depth to the Magpies’ list.

The Magpies have signed Lavington’s Jarman Teesdale, Tom Plunkett, Luke Fawcett and Nick Turner and Corryong duo Cameron Gilcrist and Josh Mansell.

Dylan Jones (North Albury) and Ethan Hayley (Wollongong) have also committed.

The whippet-built Teesdale and Plunkett played in Lavington’s losing reserves grand final against Yarrawonga and are expected to inject some much needed leg speed into the line-up.

Corryong recruits Josh Mansell and Gilcrist will stiffen the Magpies’ defence.

“We targeted young guys who are good footballers who just need a chance to play senior football,” Mansell said.

“When I was appointed we sat down and had a look at what we needed and one of the first things we identified was youth.

“We are still trying to attract a few high profile recruits with stronger bodies to help these kids develop.

“But a lot of guys don’t want to leave Ovens and Murray clubs and join a club that has finished on the bottom of the ladder.

“What they don’t realise is that the guys we have signed, while they are not superstars, are not easy-beats either and are craving the chance to play senior football.

“We are trying to attract recruits who want to come to the club for the right reasons and are not just chasing a dollar.”

Mansell said all the players had links to Lavington, which strengthened the team.