The Cats face another huge test on Saturday when they host reigning premiers Thurgoona.

Wilson said last weekend’s 10-goal win at Barnawartha was a credit to the hard work put in by his side during a challenging off-season, which included the passing of the club’s former senior coach Karl Jacka.

“They’re a really tight-knit group and really feed off each other and there’s a lot of energy being created from that,” Wilson said.

“They’re an awesome group and keep fronting up and overcoming every challenge that gets put in front of them.”

Wilson said new faces Callum Dunstan, Steven Mollison and CDHBU recruit Cameron Wilson all impressed in the first match of the campaign. 

“It was good for those younger guys that had a big pre-season to show what they’re about and what they’re going to bring this year,” Wilson said.

“One good thing we have this year is 21 blokes that cover the workload, we’re not relying on five or six blokes to carry us along.

“You need that if you want to get to the next level.

“Everyone pulled through alright, it was a good game and a good outcome as Barny was the side that knocked the boys out last year.

“The guys that played in it were aware of it, but we looked to work on things to overcome it and not dwell on the past.”

Wilson said Barnwartha will still be a good side this season and have a lot of quality players, but the Cats only need to worry about what they need to do and what works for them to execute their game plan.

“We don’t get too caught up in what other sides are doing, we back ourselves against whoever we’re playing,” he said.

Chiltern will look to put last week’s hefty defeat to Wahgunyah behind it when it takes on Yackandandah.

Mitta went down to Thurgoona in a grand final rematch against Thurgoona last weekend, but should start favourties at home to Barnawartha.

Dederang-Mount Beauty was on the end of a thrashing against Yackandandah last start and will face an equally tough task against Kiewa-Sandy Creek.

Tallangatta and Beechworth will provide an entertaining match-up when they meet at Tallangatta, while Wahgunyah host a much-improved Wodonga Saints outfit.