The Roos’ roster is more balanced than it has been in years, with some valuable depth off the bench now complemented by some talent at the top end.

Albury duo Brooke Bice and Claire Wilson have started well in Corowa, with the Roos off to a good start boasting two wins and one loss. 

Despite a poor performance in a loss to the improving Wangaratta Rovers in round one, Bruce believes the team is trending in the right direction ahead of their clash with Lavington on Saturday.

“We would have loved to win that first game, but we were probably a bit too complacent,” she said.

“Hopefully that's been a bit of a rocket for the girls, and since then we've had two good wins.

“It's set us up nicely to face Lavington this weekend.

“They're a formidable side, it'll be a challenge, but I think we're up to it.”

Two wins in the last fortnight have come against rebuilding teams in Myrtleford (54-40) and the Wodonga Raiders (46-26), meaning the Panthers will be a significantly bigger challenge to overcome.

Any nerves from the coach weren't on show however, instead confident her team could match up well against the Panthers.

“We match up really well against Lavington, we've got two talls each, so I really think it will come down to who plays better on the day,” Bruce said.

“This year is something we've had to build towards, rebuild for, and the situation this year is that we know we've got some really strong players.

“We're really excited about that prospect, we've got a bench now that's really interchangeable, there's no weak links on terms of A-Grade quality, they can play a lot of positions.”

Depth is well and good, but most exciting for the Roos is that for the first time in a while, they have a couple of top line players capable of pushing them into the top five or higher.

Brooke Bice had been among their best players in the first three games since crossing from Albury, while fellow former Tiger Claire Wilson has also thrived.

“Brooke has been a fantastic pickup,” Bruce said.

“Her ability to deliver the ball to her teammates, her decision making, is all spot on.

“We've got a bit more versatility now, people to rely on, both on and off the bench.

“Your best players can still have an average day, they're allowed to do that from time to time, but now we’re more comfortable going to those girls on the bench who can get the job done.”

Lavington are undefeated after the first three rounds, with Myrtleford to take on Rovers.