Despite going down by five goals across the six quarters, coach Brad Cassidy is pleased with what he has seen at his new look club.

With the inclusion of several key position players Warriors look stronger and have a stronger feel to them than they have in previous years.

Cassidy is pleased with where his players are at just two weeks out from their first game.

"For the most part of the game we could see big improvements from last season," Cassidy said.

"We had to start somewhere and there was a lot to like. Yes there are some teething problems, but we worked hard and there was general cohesion, something which has been lacking in previous years."

St Arnaud are a quality team and last year played off for a spot in their grand final and finished just shy.

With St Arnaud having some big bodies and some skillful players the game was always going to be in the balance.

St Arnaud had also played one practice match prior to meeting Warriors on Saturday, which was evident with their reaction time, match fitness and overall skill level.

"They were more match fit than we were, which was to be expected," Cassidy said.

"We needed to have a good blow out and see what we need to work on."

Stawell has two crucial weeks before the first round and has plenty to work on.

With a new coaching structure in place Warriors will take some time to work out their new game plan, as well as their stoppage work and general skills.

When Stawell was able to win the stoppage they gained momentum and it was a similar story for St Arnaud.

"When they won stoppages they dominated," Cassidy said.

"There were times we had the ascendency and momentum went our way as well."

Stawell recorded statistics on two key areas, which were inside 50s and stoppages.

Stawell trailed in both by a small margin, but Cassidy wasn't to phased with the numbers.

"I made a point of not over coaching, that is why there were two areas," Cassidy said.

"The numbers are insignificant, but it gives them a reference point at the end of each quarter."

Stawell will have to wait another fortnight before their playing assistant coach takes to the field with Brad Thomas missing with a stomach bug.

Like last season the young ones put up their hand for senior minutes and proved they have what it takes.

With one practice match still to be played the juniors may find themselves an opening going into round one.

"The juniors keep putting their hand up," Cassidy said.

"If myself, Thommo (Brad Thomas) and the rest of the selection panel think they are ready, we will certainly give them plenty of opportunity."

Cassidy is confident his players are heading in the right direction and hopes they can maintain some training standards over the Easter weekend.

Stawell will train twice this week at North Park before they return to their home ground of Central Park on the Tuesday following the Woolworths Stawell Gift final.

Stawell will take on Terang Mortlake in a second practice match on April 14 at Stawell.

Cassidy is expecting more improvement from that game.

"They will certainly be better for the run this weekend," Cassidy said.

"I was pleased with everyone's individual performance, but this will be a big test for us."