After languishing at the bottom of the table last season, Dale says the the addition of some Ovens and Murray experience would help guide the club up the ladder.

North Albury's Hayden Cook has joined the club, while former Wodonga Raider and Barnawartha player James Berto has also come on board.

“Those guys have come in a shown our local players what it takes to play at a higher level,” Dale said.

“They've lifted the intensity and brought everyone else up to speed.

“We're shaping up pretty nicely.

“I believe we can push towards finals with the list that we've put together.”

North Wangaratta will take on Goorambat this weekend, while last year’s runners up Milawa will face Whorouly at home to round out round one.