The Pigeons have a string of high-quality absences ahead of the 2018 campaign and will be under plenty of pressure to defend the A-grade flag.

Goal-shooter Bridget Cassar is pregnant, but will stay on as coach alongside Jaclyn Flanagan, while goal-attack Abbey Jones has moved to Melbourne to further pursue her career.

Jones was voted best on court in last year’s decider against Lavington.

In a further blow, captain Annalise Grinter is booked in for an ankle reconstruction and will also miss the entire season.

Grinter said Cassar is due to give birth in mid-July, but will stay involved the whole way through the season.

“It will be a bit of a rebuilding year for Yarrawonga this year,” Grinter said.

“There’s lots of junior players coming up and we’ve selected three of our under 16 premiership side for our senior squad this season.

“They should step up on a permanent basis this year.

“We’ve got a few older faces coming back with Kaitlyn Cummins and Kylie Leslie coming back into the A-grade side.

“That’s the best part about our club, we’ll all be there to help bring the younger players through.”

Flanagan is recovering from a knee injury, but is on track for a mid-year return.

Yarrawonga has made every A-grade grand final since 2007, winning seven of them.