Isles yesterday revealed three recruits had arrived at Walter Oval during the off-season as the club plots its return to WDFNL finals.

South Warrnambool key-position player Harry Ponting headlines the inclusions and adds much-needed height at either end of the ground.

Utility Bernie Cooper crosses from Warrnambool while Westerns assistant coach Reece Cracknell, a former South Rovers and Warrnambool player, has also signed on.

Cooper played 21 matches in the Blues’ reserves last season, helping the side reach the Hampden league preliminary final.

Cracknell has been prolific for the South West District league Kangaroos, booting 143 goals in three seasons as a roaming forward.

“Harry is looking at that centre half-forward position at the moment. He played centre half-forward, centre half-back and in the ruck a bit for South,” Isles said.

“Reece is one of the few small forwards still around. He’ll sit in a forward pocket all year, kick his two or three goals most weeks.

“And Bernie, one of the reasons why I think he’ll play regular senior footy is he can play anywhere.

“He can play back flank, forward flank, play in the middle, play a run-with role. He’s just really versatile.”

Isles said “three or four others” had started training with South Rovers but had yet to put pen to paper.

The addition of members of the premiership-winning under 17½s had also boosted hopes the Lions could improve on its eighth-place finish.

But they are still on the hunt for height, particularly with the futures of Liam Shepherd and Jordan Kavanagh unclear due to the pair travelling overseas.

“We’ve certainly added to our depth so there is pressure on spots immediately,” Isles said. “Seeing as we haven’t lost anyone and we’ve gained those seven or eight kids coming out of the under 17s, all of a sudden we’ve got really good depth.

“Both sides will be a little more competitive in the seniors and reserves. But we need those extra blokes who are a bit taller, can play key positions to go that step better.”