After finishing ninth in a twelve team competition last season, president Rod Matheson believes this year they will be more competitive.

Season 2014 sees the return of Luke Cadzow and Leigh Preston who have had a couple of years away from the club, as well as some potential key position signings that Matheson hoped would be official by next week.

The Lions have a few players that will hang up the boots, but are yet to have any significant player depart from the club which is always a positive.

"It's great when you can keep majority of the boys together. Last year they took about half a year to gel and start playing good footy," Matheson said.

"It just means those games we lost due to inexperience by a kick or two ,we should now be able to win."

Matheson hoped that having a year behind most of their senior players would mean they could finish the year around fourth or fifth position, which would see them make finals.

Matheson's main concern from the performance aspect of the team was the weather throughout winter.

"We as a club really aren't used to the really wet weather footy. Our oval is reasonably dry and they get used to those conditions.

"We struggle in the wet," he said.

Preseason for the lions got underway a few weeks leading up to the Christmas/New Year break.

"There was a lot of ball work, but it's mainly about getting the legs working early so they have done their share of running too."

The Great Western footballers took to the Grampians to run The Pinnacle several times to break the monotony of running on the oval.

"The running of the Pinnacle sounds daunting, but was probably a highlight for the boys. I think most of them enjoyed getting amongst the rocks and into the different surrounds," Matheson said.

Players at the preseason training were reasonably low, but that is expected to rise once cricket starts to wind up and the holiday period ends.

Great Western are into their third season of a five year plan with the reserves premiership being an additional bonus.

"With the premiership in the reserves that was a bit of a shock, well certainly not expected anyway so that gives the club something to look forward to," Matheson said.

As far as committee go they too have more structure this year with only two changes.

The club has appointed James Gooden as vice president while the new role of netball director has been delegated to Tracey McCartney.

Rod Matheson wanted to make people aware that the club is only in its third year and is still climbing.

If you are interested in playing for Great Western in the up coming season training resumes on Thursday, January 16 at the Great Western oval.