It’s starting with the Hawks, and they have been successful in luring back a club legend after a season away.
Barooga has welcomed back James Hazelman with open arms after a stint at Berrigan in Picola District Football League.
Hazelman, who is a former coach, provides flexibility at both ends of the ground.
And with more than 350 games to his name, he will be a valuable asset for incoming coach Jackson Trengove.
Joining him as a Hawk will be former Berrigan skipper Grant Martin, who will slot into Barooga's defensive end.
Meanwhile, Cobram has been busy locking away gun talent in recent weeks.
The Tigers, who finished second on the ladder this year, have announced the re-signing of eight players in the past week - with more to follow.
Star talents Tyron Baden and Adam De Cicco, along with Darcy McCormack, Nathan Hartley, Matt Demaio, Kyle Coates and Bailey Roberts have all recommitted.
Skipper Sam Beasley has also re-signed.
Cobram’s coach John Brunskill was pleased to hear this year’s playing list would be going around again in 2022.
“It certainly is great news to have all of these boys commit to next year,” he said.
“We have actually retained each player from last season which is massive.
“We have been concentrating on our local boys... they are the ones you want to retain. That has been the club’s focus and what we’ve been building for the past few years now.
“We’ll see 13 top-age players come out of the thirds next year as well which is really exciting.”
Brunskill, who re-signed early last month, said training for the 2022 season would commence late November.
“We’ll start pre-season in the last week of November and try get eight runs in before Christmas,” he said.
“Everyone is looking forward to turning the legs over, touching the ball again and getting stuck in.”
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