Macedon believes it’s in a good place to build on its improvement last season in the Riddell District Football League.
After finishing 11th in 2014, the Cats last year tested all the top teams early in the season before falling away as injuries took their toll.
Finishing fifth, the Cats were knocked out in the first week of the finals by eventual premier Romsey.
Cats coach Jeff Andrews says the early signs for season 2016 are promising.
“We’ve improved, but we don’t know how other teams will come out.
“Looking at clearances, teams like Diggers Rest and Broadford have got better, too.
“The aim for us is to finish higher on the ladder, beating higher teams and winning a final.”
The Cats jumped out of the blocks on the recruiting front, snapping up Gisborne trio Matthew Knox, Tom Waters and Casey Summerfield.
“We got the three guys from Gisborne and are looking at younger guys pushing up into the seniors to fight for senior spots,” Andrews says.
“There’s a lot of internal pressure for spots.
“Seb Miletic is set for a big year. He was a goal-kicker at under-18 level and is looking fit.
“Zachary Smedley spent the summer with the Cannons and has been working hard. There’s definitely some talent there looking to push into the senior team.”
With his players enjoying a pre-season free of injury, Andrews has had a chance to get a good look at the playing group for the coming season.
The club has played one practice match, against Inverloch, and held a community camp on the Bass Coast.
Andrews says that while the Cats won a close game against Inverloch, his side was missing more than a third of its players while Inverloch was at full strength.
“Training has been really good and there’s been good numbers.
“Everyone who’s looking to play seniors has been at training every session.
“There’s no one on the injury list so far. The good thing about guys being fit is that we’ve seen about 30 who could be pushing for senior spots.
“The depth is a lot greater than last year. We’ve got guys who can come in and get the job done.”
The Cats kick off their season against Broadford on April 17.
Meanwhile, the RDFL action starts on Saturday with Woodend-Hesket hosting Lancefield, and Rockbank and Melton Centrals meeting in a derby.
