Swifts coaches said both football and netball teams have put in a massive effort during preparation for Saturday's Horsham and District League's round one clash.

The Baggies will go up against Natimuk United at North Park, Stawell.

It will be a chance to see how the new senior football leadership team put their heads together on the field.

The A Grade netball team will have a tough task on their hands, going up against the 2018 premiers.

Coach Courtney Morrow said it will be a good measuring game to see how the team will perform.

Scott Carey is a familiar face within the region's football circles and one many supporters identify with the Swifts.

Carey will lace up the boots for Swifts for his 13th consecutive season in 2019.

The playing-coach has stuck with the Baggies throughout the years, commencing his senior football career as an 18-year-old at North Park.

"It's great at this time of year when it comes around," he said.

"It can sneak up on some but for it to be rolling around to our first game on Saturday is exciting times."

Carey said as the seasons tick up things haven't become harder.

"I probably feel a bit younger than what I am," he said.

"It's the players that you have at the club that make it enjoyable.

"There hasn't been one year I've thought I might step aside for a year or two - it's more about the people involved at the club which keeps you coming back."

Carey signed on as coach in 2016 after a somewhat successful few years at the club, claiming a premiership in 2014.

This season, Carey has joined forces with Daniel Parkin to push that little bit harder to reach the ultimate level needed to take home his second premiership.

"It's a challenging role, don't get me wrong. There are still things that pop up and surprise you," he said.

"I've just tried to surround myself with people that have already been there and done it.

"You never really finish as a coach - there are always ways to improve and get better. It's what I hope I have achieved in the last four years."

Since the first days of wearing the teal, white and black, Carey's has notched up a number of personal and team milestones.

The 2017 Dellar Medallist and 2016 club best and fairest said not much has changed over the years within the Horsham and District Football League.

"Definitely in the type of footy that's played it's quicker - not much else has changed within the league," he said.

"One of the things I've found is the friendships you make from other clubs is quite handy to have."

Swifts appeared in consecutive finals in the past two seasons but were unable to consolidate.

Carey said he was optimistic those results could spur on the players to strive forward in the 2019 season.

"Hopefully the boys realise a little bit more work rate will make us right up the top with Harrow and Kalkee," he said.

"Hopefully we have done that this pre-season and really challenge the teams at the top - not just make it one week in the finals.

"A premiership, there is nothing quite like that in football terms. It's something you achieve and celebrate with 21 other blokes and the supporters around the club.

"It's hard to get the feelings and emotion across to those who haven't experienced - we've managed to get a few players back who have been through it so hopefully we can get that message across."

Looking to the season ahead and players to watch, Carey said he couldn't go past the likes of Sam Anson and Nic Pekin.

"Both those players have proven in the past few seasons they have the skills and inspiration to lift their teams. All going well on the injuries, they would be the two of the players to watch this year.

"But you never know with the recruiting that has gone on in the offseason - there could be a surprise package out there.

"That's what you want as a league - you want to get the better players in for the competition."

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