The Pumas' coaching panel has been assembled ahead of the round one opener against the Ararat Eagles on April 11.

Jacob Hamilton took the reins from premiership winning coach Trent Fiscalini at the start of the pre-season and wasted no time getting his troops ready for their title defence.

This year will see Hamilton supported by Dennis Bell as the senior game day coach, which is the same role he carried out during last year's successful run.

Rounding out the Moyston/Willaura coaching group will be Graham Dempsey as head of reserves, Simon Orszacski and John Vanderwaal return as joint-coaches of the under 16s and Matt Burmeister will lead the Pumas' under 12s.

Stapleton said Hamilton had shown real leadership with the playing group throughout the summer training.

"Jacob puts in the hard yards, leads by example and encourages the group to push themselves to get the most out of each session," she said.

"Numbers at training have been good, following a slow start over January pre-season. We've managed to pick up some quality recruits in Simon Lockyer, Owen Phillips, Anthony Bonello, Luke Foster and Aussie Hamilton, with several others still to be confirmed.

"Players Rhys Cronin, Josh Day, Aaron and Josh Pianta have all decided to stay with the Pumas after training with the Ararat Football Club for a couple of weeks over January.

"Losses have been minimal and I'm sure there are a number of players who will fill the void left by Trent Fiscalini and Aaron McKinnis who have signed with Robinvale Football Club."

The Pumas were put through their paces last night with an interclub practice match at Willaura, which gave Hamilton the opportunity try players in various positions and look at the different mixes.

Stapleton said Dempsey had formed a strong bond with his reserves' team and was looking forward to building on the improvement shown in 2014.

"Demo will again lead the 'magoos' and is looking forward to the opportunity of working with a combination of youth and experienced players, whether playing socially or striving to break into the seniors, we have a great bunch of blokes," she said.

The club's up-and-coming junior talent is in good hands, with Orszacski and Vanderwaal eager for success after just missing last year's premiership and Burmeister to focus on development.

“Simon and John have been pleased with our junior numbers and are hoping to go one step further in bringing home the flag after coming runners-up in the grand final last year,” Stapleton said.

“Matt Burmeister will be leading our under 12s in developing their skills, sportsmanship and game day knowledge.”

Stapleton said one of the highlights of the year would come in round one’s match.

“We are looking forward to unfurling the premiership flag at our first home game of the season,” she said.

“Being the reigning premiers, I’m sure the boys will be striving to make it back-to-back.”