The Roosters’ 2011 premiership mentor — back in charge after a three-year hiatus — believes the Friendly Societies’ Park club is capable of producing “an exciting brand of footy”.

Kol said it was hard to gauge how South Warrnambool, coming off a five-win season, would fare but was content with the progress its next generation had shown during pre-season.

The Roosters kick-start their season against Camperdown — one of six clubs with new coaches — on April 18. 

“We’re hoping to score and have a very defensive mindset — we don’t want to leak goals as we possibly did last year,” he said.

“The guys are a year older, a year smarter and a year thicker.

“They have all made inroads.

“The under 18 group won the flag last year so there is exciting kids there and some are definitely in the mix for the first game.

“Hopefully they can hold the form they have shown early (in the pre-season).”

Kol hopes VFL recruit James Hussey — back at the Roosters after a two-year break — will provide a strong example.

The Werribee-listed midfielder has nominated South Warrnambool as his home club and will play when state league commitments permit.

Hussey joined the Tigers in 2014, playing 15 games for its development side. 

“We liaised with him to see if he was interested in making us his home team again and he was excited because a lot of his mates are here,” Kol said.

“We have a really young group so (for them) to see how he goes about his fitness, where he runs, how he runs and his work ethic will be great for our kids.

“We got a few insights into the way they (Werribee) play — it’s always interesting to see different strategies.”

Kol accepted a two-year deal to mentor the Roosters last September, just weeks after the club’s 2014 season ended.

He said coaching was a tough, yet satisfying caper.

“It’s been hard work but we have really good kids there and really exciting talent and I am enjoying working with them,” Kol said. “I can see the upside for the club.”

South Warrnambool meets North Warrnambool Eagles and Port Fairy in the Hampden league’s pre-season cup on March 28.

As the host club, the Roosters will play in the opening and closing fixtures.

One of the Roosters’ experienced players, dynamic forward Robbie Gregg, is on track to play in round one of the season proper after successful hip surgery.