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MDFL - Moyston/Willaura will recommence its pre-season training this week as it prepares to build up a strong fitness foundation heading into the start of the Mininera and District Football League season.
Second year coach Daniel Guinane said that two new faces would join the senior list, with former Ararat Rats' players Aaron McKinnis and Tyson Carr both committing to the Pumas this year.
"Aaron has a lot of agility and a great set of hands so he will be good up forward and Tyson is a young bloke who was probably a fringe player at the Rats but will slot in down back with us and should go well," he said.
Guinane said in terms of departures Will Bell has moved across to Ararat to further his coaching aspirations, while younger brother Leo may also be absent for the majority of the season after relocating for university.
The Pumas began training informally before Christmas, with the coach impressed by the commitment shown.
"I've been away on my honeymoon but we had a running group that got together two nights a week and that was just concentrating on getting the kilometres into their legs, rather than short ball work," Guinane said.
"We were getting about 15 each session to that, which I was pretty happy with being non-compulsory sessions.
"I've have given them a good break because last year some of the young ones were pretty burnt out by the halfway mark of the season, but once we are back they will be fairly solid training sessions based around fitness.
"We will also be having a day in Halls Gap run by Absolute Outdoors, which will include canoeing, abseiling, mountain bike riding.
"That day will involve footballers and netballers and also any other willing club members. It will be quite a solid session but should be a bit of fun too."
The Pumas will play at least one practice match prior to the start of the MDFL season, with former Moyston/Willaura coach Matt Rae and his new club Skipton agreeing to a hitout in about a month's time.
