Port Fairy was the feel-good story of the 2015 Hampden league season after the Seagulls, under former South Rovers premiership mentor Brett Evans, broke a 10-year finals drought. But all the external support might be thrown out with the Christmas wrapping paper after the Seagulls received an additional 12 points under the new AFL Victoria player points system. Port Fairy, to its credit, used its initiative and asked for extra points to help its cause. But that won’t stop rivals from feeling agitated, particularly as the system was introduced to ensure a level-playing field.

Players rarely defect to cross-town rivals – even at the elite level, see the lack of Fremantle-West Coast and Adelaide-Port Adelaide trades for example – so Sam Cunnington’s decision to leave Cobden and join Camperdown sent ripples through the competition. The Bombers’ disappointment was evident, given the utility captained the club in 2015. Pen the clubs’ round-three clash in as one to watch.

Most clubs could only dream of making eight straight grand finals for three flags. And most would be content to then slip back in the pack and rebuild. Not so Warrnambool – the Blues are in the business of winning premierships. But the Hampden league powerhouse faces its toughest challenge in years under new coach John Cook. Cook arrives at Reid Oval with an impressive resume – he was strongly endorsed by two-time Koroit premiership mentor Adam Dowie – but off-season departures including Liam Hoy, Angus Chirnside and Kurt Lenehan will test the Blues’ once-envied depth.

North Warrnambool Eagles have added a much-needed component to their midfield – a tall, strong-bodied ball- winner. Former Melbourne-listed utility Rory Taggert, at 188-centimetres, will complement the smaller Dean Gavin and Jye Bidmade, and give the unassuming Matthew Wines a partner-in-crime. Taggert, who was raised in Horsham, is expected to help the Eagles take the step from finals regular to genuine flag contender. The Eagles have also welcomed back Xavier Mills, Josh Parkinson and Jeremy Parkinson from Allansford, giving them more depth.

Camperdown coach Phil Carse spent his first season in charge garnering knowledge about his team and its opponents. Now the former Redland skipper is ready to help the Pies return to the top five. The Magpies identified a need to bolster their forward stocks and have recruited accordingly, bringing in ex-NEAFL forward Jordan Bain and Lismore-Derrinallum premiership player Grant Place. The Pies finished sixth in 2015 and appear the side most likely to climb.

The two former Western Border league foes were considered a major threat when they joined the Hampden league in 2013. But the touted success hasn’t eventuated. They combined for eight wins in 2015 and occupied the bottom two spots on the ladder. Hamilton Kangaroos have added Matt Dunn as their new coach but are yet to announce any major signings, while Portland will benefit from having a fully-fit Luke Crane and zippy TAC Cup hopeful Jamaine Jones at its disposal. Finals, based on rivals’ additions, appear out of reach, making continual improvement the focus.

He might be the youngest coach in the competition but Terang Mortlake recruit Paul Dirago arrives at the Bloods with VFL experience. The strong key position defender is expected to bolster the Bloods’ back six and ease the pressure on Ryan O’Connor. They’ve added firepower in attack too, signing creative Kolora-Noorat goal-kicker Mark Clissold. Terang Mortlake overcame a see-sawing home-and-away season to make its presence felt in the finals series, rising from fifth to a preliminary final. Bloods fans are hoping Dirago and Clissold are the final pieces of the puzzle.

Could two former Melbourne Demons fight for the league’s highest individual honour? Port Fairy midfielder Daniel Nicholson will be instrumental to the Seagulls’ finals chances if he can string a whole season together, while North Warrnambool Eagles will expect a big impact from their boom recruit Taggert. Two-time winner and Koroit captain Isaac Templeton is a proven vote-getter.