MYRTLEFORD co-coach Tim Looby believes the Saints suffocated under the weight of expectation last season.
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After playing finals for the first time in a decade in 2016, Looby said pressure wore down the players as they managed only eight victories.
But the former Goulburn Valley league star said that pressure had lifted over the off-season with youthful exuberance sweeping McNamara Reserve.
“We obviously under-achieved last season and I don't think we really handled the expectations put on us,” Looby said.
“The club hadn't had those expectations for a really long time.
”All of the sudden a few people were tipping us for top-three and premierships and it was a kick in the pants.
"That hype isn't there anymore.
“I think we're all on the same page and I'm pretty optimistic and excited about what we can do with our young blokes.
”We'll put things in place and see how we go.
“We’re starting with a blank canvas.”
While many believe last year’s top-five – Wangaratta, Albury, Yarrawonga, Lavington and Wodonga Raiders – are likely to contest September again, a recent OAKFM survey had Myrtleford as the team most likely to climb into the finals.
Myrtleford will play Goulburn Valley league heavyweights Kyabram and Benalla before rounding off its pre-season against a struggling Wodonga.
“We would have liked to have picked up one or two more recruits, but you have look to the future as well,” he said.
“The club will put time and effort into the local guys which is good because that’s the way it’s going.”
Werribee’s Nathan Laracy is likely to play for Myrtleford early in the home and away season as he recovers from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Myrtleford trio Jarrod Hayse, Nick Howell and Brodie Ricardi have signed with Bright.
