Coach Adam Matheson now has “13 or 14” premiership juniors back at the Lions’ den to underline an active off-season.

Kolora-Noorat premiership defender Sandy Williams has returned, while Sam Wilde (Warrnambool) and Matt Dennis (North Warrnambool Eagles) are among other juniors returning to the club.

“We also had six or seven kids come back to the club last year and they had good seasons at senior level,” Matheson said.

“The message we’re sending is that opposition teams won’t take us lightly despite the fact we’re a young side.

“There comes a time when boys have to become men and that time is now.”

Matheson’s side has also been propped up by the additions of forward Corey McLaren and returning midfielder Luke Payne.

Ex-Koroit and Hawkesdale Macarthur utility Alex White has signed on, while Trent Harman and former Deakin University Sharks mentor Trent Anderson will add experience.

Matheson, a schoolteacher, said his coaching staff identified strong structures and those which failed from their maiden season at the helm.

“We’ve put it on the playing group to come up with how they’d like to play. We’ve empowered them. It gives ownership and buy-in,” he said.

“It becomes their game plan and we’ll continue that.”