Little has been unashamed in seeking to bolster the team that finished the 2012 Warrnambool and District league season in 10th spot.

The biggest recruit is former Terang Mortlake ruckman Zac Pickett, a player Little hopes can shoulder the bulk of the centre-square work.

Former Warrnambool footballer Eddie Jacobs will play with Creek after returning from Tasmania, while North Warrnambool Eagles’ reserves pair Chris Malone and Nick Whiting have also crossed to Mack Oval.

Tyrone Ingham returns to his former club after a stint at Oakleigh Districts in Melbourne and Warrnambool Seahawk Kurt Smith has traded basketball for football.

Little, Scott Bristol, Jackson Fary and Hayden Harradine are also in line for senior football after injuries curtailed their campaigns in 2012.

Departures at the club include best-and-fairest defender Sam Wilson to Warrnambool, while Danny Chatfield and Dylan Herbertson are off to Hawkesdale-Macarthur.

Little said the Creek of 2013 would have “a bit more size about us” after it was outmuscled by bigger-bodied rivals last season.

He said unearthing goalkickers would be a priority.

The Kangaroos are getting about 30 players to pre-season training each week.

“The attitude from this year to last, the commitment of the boys has been so much better,” Little said.

“At the end of the day we want to be more competitive, win a few more of those tight games and hopefully we can turn the season around.

“We’re definitely going to be a bit better. How much better we’re yet to find out.”

Little said Warrnambool Tri Club president Dean Picken had taken pre-season fitness sessions, which the playing group had responded to well.

“He comes and takes us one night a week. It’s pretty tough but it’s good. The boys are all behind it and make sure they turn up to those nights,” he said.

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au