In his first year in the job Murphy lifted the Broncos from the bottom of the ladder to runners-up.

An experienced all-rounder, Murphy is expecting a challenging 2015-16 Warrnambool and District Cricket Association season.

“Woodford will be the team to beat again and Merrivale will be really strong,” Murphy said.

“But I think it will be a really tight competition, there will not be any easy games.”

The Broncos have lost all-rounders Sanjaya Chathuranga and Tharanga Fernando from last season but have picked up big hitting batsman Luke Smith and opener Charith Ruchiranga.

A strong bowling attack is again looming as a key part of the Broncos’ game plan.

Jason Alberts was the spearhead last year taking 40 wickets at 12.03. 

He will again be at the forefront and will get support from James Reid who can swing the ball at decent speed.

Murphy is also keen to get the ball back in his hands after being restricted through back and side injures last season.

“I kept most of last year so it will be good to be able to contribute with the ball,” Murphy said.

“Our bowling depth is really good, Jason Alberts is very dangerous particularly when we start playing with the red ball.”

The Broncos’ opening round opponent is Nestles in what is shaping as an exciting Twenty20 encounter with Murphy wary of the Factory’s impressive top order.

It is the first of three games of the shortest format to start the season. Last year the Broncos set up their year when they won all three of their opening Twenty20 games. They then lost four of their five one-day games, something Murphy is keen to address in 2015-16.

“We are pretty determined to be stronger through the middle part of the season,” Murphy said.