MURRAY United have secured a number of vital signatures ahead of their 2016 campaign.
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Playmakers Sean Pye, Ryan Giles and leading goal-scorer Zac Walker will remain at club in 2016, alongside Jayson Ferguson.
Recently recruited goalkeeping coach Jon Shaw will also take the field in 2016.
Under 20's trio Melkie Woldemichael, Shane Ellwood and Alex West have also been promoted to the senior list ahead of round one in February.
Walker said that with the side coming together so early, there were few limits on what the burgeoning franchise could achieve.
“I think we're well placed to finish a lot higher on the ladder and improve as a team,” he said.
“There's been a jump from pre-season last year to this year.
“Every player has a plan in place for them so they don't get burnt out before the season starts.
“It's a really exciting time to be at the club at the moment.”
Despite suffering about of sickness that put him out of action for a week, Walker said he and a number of other United stars were raring to go after a six-week preseason training block before Christmas.
“We went through last season with a couple of guys having to play at a lot less than 100 percent,” he said.
“But I’ll be back to full fitness when we resume training, Ryan Giles is fit, Sean Pye is pretty fit as well.
“Melkie was having a few struggles with injury heading into last year as well.
“We’re not going to have to worry about that this time around, which is really encouraging.
“James Coutts is one of the best coaches going around in my opinion, I think there’s belief that we can accomplish a lot under him.”
After crossing from Wangaratta to take a position as goalkeeping coach, Shaw said he was excited to be registered as a player as well.
“It’s a really professional atmosphere, which is what you’d expect,” he said.
“Having players like Pye, Giles, Walker and Ferguson sign on is a big win for the club.
“Looking in from the outside last season it was clear that they were the ones leading the club.
“Getting them all at once is a real statement from.
“Having those three under-20’s players graduate to the senior list will bring a bit of freshness and sharpness to the squad as well.
“It was great to see a player like Melkie blossom towards the end of the season, so it’ll be exciting to see what they can do next season.”
The club won six games in its debut NPL1 season.
