Hillier said his side were exposed a little bit against Barnawartha in the final quarter of round one, an issue he believed was resolved after wins against the Saints and Beechworth.

“We've been building up slowly, we were clearly lacking a bit of fitness against Barny,” he said.

“It was a fairly even contest in the end, but they were able to get is in the last quarter.

“We can't let it happen against Chiltern, they're a quality side and aren't going to be any pushovers.” 

Hillier said the experience of players like Nathan Reynoldson combined with improving young players like Joe Hodgkin would bode well for the rest of their season.

“We've started slow and had to deal with a few niggles, but finals will definitely be the goal,” he said.

“We've got some good leadership and experience.”