It’s going to take something special to roll the Hawks next year. They will take a virtually identical side into 2015 with the possible exception of one or two players who are contemplating retirement. New co-coaches Trent and Callum Turner have big shoes to step into with dual premiership mentor Ryan Richardson stepping down but there will be no shortage of experienced heads to lend them a hand. Kiewa-Sandy Creek’s Lavington connection continues to get stronger Sam Bowler and Tom Ross joining former Panthers Luke Norton-Smith, Zac Mona, Scott Bartel and Jack Andrew at the club.

Can the Blues bounce back from the disappointment of back-to-back grand final losses? They can, but coach Clinton Gilson needs to find a couple of quality players between now and April. While James Gray let the Blues down on occasions with some undisciplined play, his best was outstanding and finding big forwards is no easy task. Several youngsters like Ben Paton look set to push up into senior ranks while the class of Tyson and Luke Ednie and Nathan Reynoldson will keep the Blues around the top three.

The arrival of big Steve Bradshaw from Dederang-Mount Beauty is going to make the nippy Tiger midfield even more dangerous. Bradshaw has proven himself to be a top-liner in the Hume and Tallangatta and District leagues for the past decade and shapes as one of the recruits of the off-season. Nathan McKendrick has been impressing at Sandringham and will be missed while Peter Cook will attempt to resurrect his injury-plagued career at Whorouly. Still in the mix for several recruits.

Is Peter Copley the man to deliver Thurgoona its first flag since entering the league in 1988. Well, he won’t die wondering if early training sessions and game plans are any indication. Big John Willis has decided to stay after attracting interest from North Albury while Thomas Stead, Tim Madden and Jake Bruce shape as handy pick-ups. Veterans Mark Bush and Matt Fowler are weighing up their futures.

Chiltern charged into the finals last year and new coach Mark Doolan is well positioned to climb another rung or two up the ladder thanks to some good recruiting. Former Wodonga Raiders trio Tom Dickson and Brad and Bodie Hibberson are on board along with Morris medallist Ryan McKenzie who will travel from Western Australia on a semi-regular basis. Optimism is high with Chiltern blooding plenty of youngsters last season.

The Bombers have lost some heavy artillery and will pin its hopes on a talented crop of youngsters to stay in touch with the top-five. Ben Cook, Ethan Kimball, Josh Kable and Liam Hood are rated highly and will be a big part of coach Marc Almond’s plans. “We’re not going to get caught up in any bidding wars,” Almond said. “We are fortunate to have some good kids coming through.” 

Like Chiltern, the Lions believe their time is coming. They have picked up more players than any other in the competition with recruits Terrence Jones, Luke Ednie, Dean Druce, Dean Skinner, Dylan Scott and Jye Holcomb set to make an immediate impact. The most notable loss is Jake Beams who has returned to Mulwala. If numbers at pre-season training are any indication, Wahgunyah will play finals for the first time.

It’s been a tough off-season for the Cats with Karl Jacka only recently being appointed as senior coach. That means they are well behind the eight-ball in regards to recruiting and Rutherglen will need its loyal band of locals to stand tall. Will look to improve on last season’s six wins.

Scott Montgomery faces a baptism of fire in his first season as coach. The Saints have been hard hit by departures over the off-season with the majority going to Hume league club Walla. Expect plenty of youngsters to be given opportunities.

The Bushrangers are hopeful of luring several former players back to the club. Justin Knobel has been heavily involved in their fitness work over the summer with new coach Nic Barnes providing another new set of eyes. Key position player Chris Taylor is a loss to Brock-Burrum.

The Roos have picked up several recruits but aren’t saying who. Judging by the secrecy it could well be Chris Judd, Gary Ablett and Brent Harvey. The Roos however are reporting good numbers at training with co-coach Trent Castles confident of climbing the ladder in 2015.

The Hoppers have a lot of work to do. While Wodonga’s Tom Russell and Walla trio Andrew Wood, Cameron Adams and Kayne Mathieson have come on board, the losses have been substantial. Aaron Downie (Bendigo) and Kaine Parsons and Ethan Riddington (Port Douglas) will leave gaping holes that need filling if Zac Fulford’s line-up is going to jump a couple of spots up the ladder.