Swifts announce new recruits 

Ash Cowen, Jack Kelly and Adam Taylor join the Swifts from Stawell Warriors while Lewis Baker has switched across from Navarre.

Swifts joint coach Paul Hanns is excited by the signings, saying many of the new recruits approached the club.

"They love the culture that we have created and people are starting to come along and be a part of it," Hanns said.

Swifts finished the Horsham District Football League 2012 season in fifth position, fighting through to the preliminary final and with the acquisition of Ben Martin as joint coach for next season, things are going well for the Baggies.

Cowen is a fast wingman with a background in running and Kelly will provide the side with plenty of versatility and is set to be used in a number of positions around the ground.

Taylor returns to the Baggies after a season at Stawell and is also set to provide midfield depth while Baker is an onballer who can act as a crumbing forward.

Hanns said the club needed to add more depth to the midfield which in turn will increase the rotations within the side.

"It is something we lacked last year. Towards the end of the year, guys were pretty tired towards the end of matches," he said, adding it will help the likes of Ricky Whitehead, Sean Mantell, Scott Carey and himself.

Swifts also needed a key backman, which Hanns believes has been filled.

"We've got that covered. Both Ben Martin and Jack Kelly are both big boys and at times will be needed to go down there," he said.

"Lewy (Baker) and Ash (Cowen) provide speed that you can never knock back - it will make it hard for other teams to match up on."

Swifts have so far lost just three players, with Julian Carr and Adam McGaffin not returning after travelling from Geelong last year and Richard Thomas has joined Great Western.

"We tried to get our guys stitched up nice and early and over the past couple of years, we've recruited guys who have history with the club and can slot straight in and feel part of the group," Hanns said.

The Baggies are three weeks into pre-season training and this Thursday is their final session before the Christmas break.

Numbers were down on the first few sessions due to the heat, however 26 players hit the track recently.

"It's really good to see. It makes it (training) more enjoyable and it's an indication of who's keen to put in," Hanns said.

Among those who have already committed to the club are joint coach Ben Martin, 2012 Horsham District League best and fairest Ricky Whitehead, Jake Goodes, Sean Mantell and Scott Carey.

Defender Justin Thomas has been promoted to a playing assistant coach, while Terry Croton returns as an assistant coach helping out on the bench.