The Tigers won four matches in 2016 – a figure Finck believes didn’t do her side justice.

“I think we were really disappointed last year because we lost so many close games,” she said.

“I think we lost seven games by five goals or under so I guess we’re looking to turn those games around this season.

“We’re not consistent across four quarters, that’s the biggest key we’ve got to work on, especially at the start of the season, and hopefully we can turn some of those results around.

“Our aim is to get top five by the end of the season and it’s anybody’s game to take out after that.”

Chelsea McMahon and Tanaya Bannam – former Tigers returning to Hanlon Park – will add to a settled line up.

McMahon has spent three seasons in Ballarat and Bannam is back after a stint at South West league club Westerns.

“Tanaya is a midcourter but Chelsea is one of those players who is quite versatile and can play anywhere I’d like to play her,” Finck said.

“She is very athletic. She’s playing Mermaids (Big V) basketball as well this season. She’s going to try and do both.

“It’s just a matter of fitting it in and seeing how we go.”

Ballarat Sovereigns-listed players Laura Kelly and Tayla Falconer will remain at the club. The former will play in between university commitments for Geelong.

Veteran centre Kerri Jennings, now 51, will also run around in yellow and black again. 

“Kerri still amazes me at her age, that she can still do what she does, and she’s probably the fittest player we’ve got,” Finck said.​

Arrivals

Chelsea McMahon (BFL), Tanaya Bannam (Westerns)

Departures

None

2016 best and fairest

1st: Laura Kelly 2nd: Kerri Jennings 3rd: Tayla Falconer

Player to watch

KERRI JENNINGS: At 51, the Portland veteran shows no signs of slowing down. Will again hold sway in the Tigers' midcourt as one of the fittest players on their list. The former coach will work with recruit Tanaya Bannam in centre and give youngster Katie Zeurnet, another who can play the position, guidance to help her develop into the role.

Prediction

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Coming off a lacklustre season which produced just four wins and two draws. Has kept the bulk of its list together and added the versatile Chelsea McMahon and midcourter Tanaya Bannam, both of whom have played for the Tigers in the past. The continued improvement from Ballarat Sovereigns-listed duo Laura Kelly, who will play intermittently, and Tayla Falconer will also help the Tigers' cause. Falconer is an emerging shooter who has already impressed in the top grade for a handful of seasons. Should improve and is determined to give finals a shake in what appears another tight-knit competition.