Warriors are focused on the coaching structures and support of the football club and players in order to improve on their eighth position from last season.

Senior coach from the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Brad Cassidy has been reappointed after a three year stint on the sidelines.

The Warriors newly appointed senior coach was not prepared to state a position where he would like to see Stawell finish, but emphasised improvement was a focus.

"All we want is an improved performance there is no number. If we can improve our performance in all areas and then maintain it without going backwards we're happy," Cassidy said.

Cassidy, in conjunction with the reserves and junior coaching staff, believes the coaching structure is pivotal in the development and improvement of the club and will spend more time working off each other than they have in previous seasons.

Cassidy is under the impression that coaches will gather regularly and have a meeting like situation for them to pass notes and extend a helping hand.

The Warriors preparation was also important with the pre season starting in the middle of November and going through until the week before Christmas.

During the five weeks the Stawell footballers participated in several strength and conditioning programs to improve their running ability, and circuits for muscular strength and endurance.

As well as their conditioning work they put time into their overall football skills with handball and kicking drills.

Each player was given a running program for the holiday period that was to be completed a couple of times each week.

"I told them to enjoy the Christmas holidays with family and friends, but expected them to work from their programs, otherwise the work in that first five weeks was a waste," Cassidy said.

Stawell Warriors are so far impressed with the numbers at training, only having lost a few reserves players in the off season.

Cassidy expected there to be a few key position signings take place in the next couple of weeks that would bolster their list and help with the development of the younger players.

The inclusion of the football department was an additional positive in the eyes of Cassidy with more people being involved and sharing the workload of jobs within the football club.

The football department, led by Tony Dark, is made up of ten members.

A decision was made mid June to implement the football department to allow people to work in more specific areas.

These areas include the football department, the netball department, and even catering.

"There are specific jobs for each person, whether they be jobs in the under 14s, under 17s, reserves or seniors, football, netball or otherwise," Cassidy said.

The Warriors, after identifying areas they struggled in, are hopeful that the football department will help with their onfield success in season 2014.

Stawell is to resume preseason training next Monday night, with practice matches against Terang/Mortlake to take place in late March.