BRENT GODDE: You have enjoyed a productive off-season after signing several recruits and keeping departures to a minimum?

KADE BUTTERS: Being able to maintain the list was my first priority but it has been pleasing to land a few recruits from Wodonga. Tom and Ben Gardner, Ben McPherson, Lachie Walker, Lachie Lowe and Tom Baker have all crossed from the John Flower Oval and will add depth. Jack Baker has also returned to the club after a stint with North Albury.

BG: You have lost a bit of experience with the departure of Peter Cook alongside Jordy Hansted and Daryl Webb retiring?

KB: Losing Peter and Jordy is a blow but as a coach you have to focus on what you can control. Daryl has retired but I'm keen to keep him involved in an off-field role.

BG: There have been some promising signs over the pre-season so far with some big numbers attending training?

KB: We have been getting 40 blokes at most sessions with 50 plus on a couple of occasions which is a positive sign and provides a real buzz around the club.

BG: The return of big man Adam Elias from a knee injury is a huge boost to your flag aspirations?

KB: It's no secret that the return of Adam will be a big inclusion to our side. Adam has proven himself as one of the premier big men in the competition and it will be a welcome sight for our midfielders to have him back contesting the centre bounce and hit-outs. Matty Campbell and Dustin Butters are also returning from long term injury which is another added bonus and will strengthen the line-up.

BG: Are you hoping to add further signings before the commencement of the season?

KB: I'm more than happy with our list but as a coach you are never going to shut up shop in regards to recruiting and are always happy to talk to potential recruits.

BG: As you said before there is a genuine buzz of excitement around the club which has led to a few potential recruits contacting you and asking if they can come to training?

KB: We want players to come to our club and one of the pleasing things at the moment is that I've had a few players ring me and ask if there would be any drama if they come to training. Hearing that just reassures me that the club is heading in the right direction.

BG: How have you tackled the pre-season so far?

KB: Being my first year as coach I wanted to show the senior players that I mean business and training was fairly tough before the Christmas break. I firmly believe that we are in the premiership window and hard work could be the difference between winning the flag or finals heartache.

ALSO IN SPORT

BG: Do you think COVID will rear its ugly head again this season?

KB: I hope not because the last two years have been tough on everybody. I think its highlighted just how much community sport means to all small communities and a normal season would be a welcome tonic for everybody and a reward for the hard work of players and volunteers.

BG: Which side looms as the biggest improver at this early stage?

KB: It's called 'silly season' for a reason but you would think Chiltern, Yackandandah and Kiewa-Sandy Creek have all improved and will be the hardest to beat. But I try not to get caught up in the hype surrounding other clubs and focus on doing on what we can to improve.

BG: Who do you see starting the season as flag favourites?

KB: Nobody at the minute. I think there are quite a few clubs in flag contention and it will come down to who makes the most of their opportunities. Yackandandah last year is probably the perfect example. The Roos came from outside the top-five to finish minor premiers which is fair to say nobody predicted. So you can't write-off any side really at the moment.

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