GREAT Western Lions have had a big pre season under new coach Andrew Bach and will be looking to be the big improvers of the Mininera and District Football league.
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Bach is back in the top job and enjoying every minute of it, but he is serious when it comes to developing a winning culture and team at Great Western.
Bach has realistic expectations to improve on last year's result and to make finals this season.
"I would like to make finals, but mostly we need to improve on last season," Bach said.
"We have a lot depending on depth of players. Our depth is not that great so we cant afford to have many injuries."
The Great Western playing list has been bolstered by the likes of Mitch Hoare.
Hoare looked to have time and space in their intra club hit out as well as being skilful under pressure and moving freely across the ground.
"Mitch Hoare has really impressed me so far," Bach said.
"He moves well and looks to be a classy player for us."
Along with Hoare Great Western welcome Aaron Williams, Ben Newson and Brenton Miller from Beaufort.
Great Western have quite an extensive lifts of inclusions this year with minimal departures.
"Lachie Malloy has gown up to Darwin, he will be a biggest loss," Bach said.
Other senior players to leave the club included Adam Taylor and Bobby Garley.
The preseason for Lions hasn't all been smooth sailing with a number of additional activities being cancelled due to players having prior commitments.
"We are still working on Tony Lloyd doing a session, but he is obviously busy at the minute with sons at Sydney Swans and North Ballarat Rebels," Bach said.
"We mobviously need some match fitness, but hopefully that picks up as the season goes on."
Following the intra club match Bach is expecting big things from Hoare, Newson, BJ Burton, Ben Hustler and Nick Thomas.
Thomas has looked good at training since stepping down from coach and will be looking forward to playing the game without having to think to much.
Bach is expecting Penshurst and Tatyoon to be Great Western toughest competition this season.
"Both Penshurst and Tatyoon have recruited well in the off season," Bach said.
Great Western Lions will be looking for a win in round one when they take on SMW Rovers at Great Westerns home ground.
