The Tigers suffered a devastating five-point loss against Thurgoona in the preliminary final last year after Cook missed a golden opportunity to snatch an unlikely victory in the dying seconds.

They have lost Mitch Exton, Ben Kunkel and Matt Robinson from the preliminary final side.

Fringe players Jack and Tom Baker have also joined Yackandandah.

Offsetting the losses, the Tigers have welcomed back 2013 premiership trio, Matt and Kyle McNamara alongside Jarrod Williams.

Former coach Danny DeMarte has also returned and is coaching the reserves.

Daniel Thompson, Reece Corcoran and Mitch Lord will add further depth.

Corcoran has played in the past two reserve grade grand finals for Wodonga Raiders and has signed as assistant coach.

"We have had a fair turnaround in players but I think our gains outweigh our losses," Cook said.

"Danny Demarte has been training pretty well and he might find himself in the one's if his body can hold up.

"Reece comes on board as an assistant coach and his experience will benefit our midfield group and is an area we are hoping to improve on this year."

Cook said he expected last years top-three in Kiewa-Sandy Creek, Thurgoona and Barnawartha to dominate the competition once again this season.

"No disrespect to the other sides but last year's top three remain as the sides to beat," he said.

"I think it's fair to say there is not too many clubs that have made any significant inroads

"I think everyone is still four to five goals behind the top-three.

"Obviously injuries can have a big say and test your depth, but I expect the top three to remain the same.

"Although we have lost some players, we have gained some players and I think we are a couple of goals ahead of where we were last year."

Cook conceded that Kiewa-Sandy Creek would start the season as flag favourites.

"Kiewa are obviously going to be hard to beat after picking up Michael Thompson and Jed Andrew," he said.

"Michael and Jed both played for Albury and go out to Kiewa as one pointers because they are former juniors

"So when you win the flag by five goals and you add those two, you are going to be tough to beat.

"Thurgoona have picked up a lot of guys with experience and there are a lot of people saying they could get exploited when they get out to Sandy Creek

"But I'm not one of them and I think you need experience out at Sandy Creek above most things."

Cook said the Tigers would be a lot more versatile, which would stand them in good stead when the blowtorch is applied in September.

"I think our versatility is one of our biggest strengths," he said.

"We things aren't going right, you need to be able to change things up and I expect my players to be able to play in multiple positions."