The Camperdown Magpies have made a strong start to 2016, dropping just three of their twelve quarters to date, and winning by 16 goals on average across the first three weeks.

Although the hurt of last year’s grand final defeat still lingers, veteran goal defence Chelsea Castles said the Magpies were keeping their focus firmly set on the task at hand.

“You never forget (the loss) – I’m still not over it – but we haven’t talked about making finals or anything,” she said.

“Of course as individuals and as a team you want to make finals, but we don’t actually focus on it. Our focus is week-by-week.”

With just a few changes from last year’s team – Emma Wright is back at goal keeper in the top grade, while Bianca Whitson and Grace Lucas have shared wing attack – Castles said the Magpies had been able to carry on their momentum.

“It’s a good feeling – a lot of us girls are there from last year … we’re all on the same page, we’ve really gelled and we know what each other is thinking,” she said.

Castles and her Camperdown teammates are expecting a tough contest this Saturday when they host the much-improved Warrnambool at Leura Oval.

The Emma Cust-coached Blues lost to Koroit last weekend, but defeated North Warrnambool Eagles and Port Fairy in the opening fortnight.

Castles said in what she feels will be another close season, the difference between winning and losing would come down to match-ups on game day.