ARRIVALS
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Frazer Judd and Jack Amery (Tarrawingee), Daniel Witham (King Valley)
DEPARTURES
Nick Richards (Heidelberg), Ben Douthie (retired), Jamie Anderson (overseas)
VFL-LISTED
Joe Richards (Northern Blues), Brad Melville (Richmond)
LOSING ONE GRAND FINAL IS TOUGH, BUT TWO IS GUT-WRENCHING. CAN THE PIES PUT THAT DISAPPOINTMENT BEHIND THEM AND WIN THEIR FIRST FLAG SINCE 2017?
It's going to be a big ask for the Magpies. While Luke Morgan's side is well and truly in the mix, Myrtleford look to have assumed flag favouritism and seven sides are capable of finishing in the top three. But from all reports the hunger and drive is still there and, if key forward Michael Newton stays fit, Wangaratta appear as good a chance as anyone of collecting the silverware.
DO THE PIES NEED TO LAND A LATE RECRUIT?
Most definitely. While the Pies have plenty of up and coming talent coming through the ranks, they have lost some class and are working hard behind the scenes to land a big fish.
Don't be surprised if one bobs up in the next week or two as Newton has some serious connections.
BACK ON DECK
After being away from Norm Minns Oval for several years, Judd Porter is back with the Magpies as reserve grade coach.
The club's favourite son has been joining in training but hasn't any aspirations to play at this stage.
Porter played in Rennie's 2018 premiership in the Picola and District league under Craig Ednie.
"He's been a great support to the senior coaching group," coach Luke Morgan said.
Matt Hedin will lead the Magpies' thirds.
ARE THE MAGPIES BETTER PLACED THAN 12 MONTHS AGO?
On the injury front, no doubt.
Wangaratta were managing a series of injuries of big-name players last pre-season and it showed early in the win-loss column.
Dylan Van Berlo, Matt Kelly and Michael Newton took time to find the feet after being on restricted training programs and they couldn't be in better shape now.
The Magpies look keen to hit the ground running after scheduling tough practice matches against Benalla (March 14) and Yarrawonga (March 21).
Q&A with Matt Hedin
Q: Do you see yourself as a better defender or forward?
A: Probably defender, I played most of my junior football down back as well as my first few years in the seniors. I'm probably a bit more comfortable there. It's good to be able to go forward if I'm needed though.
Q: People are saying the league has seven potential premiership contenders this season. Who do you see as the team to beat?
A: It will be tight at the top but you would have to say Myrtleford judging by the way they have recruited.
Q: How have the players responded to last year's grand final loss to Lavington?
A: It was a disappointing way to finish last season, but you can see the way the older players have responded. They have attacked the pre-season really well and we've had strong numbers at training. You always expect the younger guys to have big pre-seasons but the older guys have really worked hard and led the way.
Q: You've had a rotten run with knee injuries since 2016, you must have been rapt to play 21 matches last season?
A: To play every game last year was a real positive for me.
Q: How is your brother Zac's recovery from a knee injury going?
A: He did his knee in 2018 and he'll be back this year as well.
Q: And the vice-captaincy sits well with you?
A: It's been really good. 'Juice' (Michael Newton) will be captain again and I'll be the vice.