Forward Angus Robertson headlines four exits from Timboon – with brother Nick and Melbourne-based defender Robb Jewell all departing for home club Finley.

Midfielder James Faulkner has also lodged a clearance for Victorian Amateur Football Association outfit Albert Park.

But coach Mick Hunt revealed about 10 new faces had arrived at the club and expected the players – all of which have strong links with Timboon – to deliver.

“Angus, Nick and Robb went back because Finley was struggling a bit and was on its last legs,” he said.

“They were down in Melbourne doing uni and I think they saw what we’ve done as a club – because two years ago we were dwindling and battling a bit.

“That was one thing we made a point of when we recruited those boys. We told them the community was really involved and behind the club – and I think it might have rubbed off on them.

“They’ll be down again to watch us and I’ll head up to watch them play when we have the bye. We have a good relationship with them as a club.”

Hunt – in his second stint as senior coach – said onballer Andy Hargreaves was tipped to return to action after missing 2017 with a knee complaint.

He said Hayden Mitchell, Sam Negrello, Ben Harding, Damian Wynd, Kris Ward, Ben Bacon and Cam Mitchell all loomed as important senior players.

Hunt said his men were almost one month into their pre-season and hadn’t been tempted to start earlier.

“We still have six or seven weeks until our first game. I don’t like the idea of training all summer long,” he said.

“I say to the boys that there are three things you need to look at – family life, work life and your footy life. Your priorities have to be right.

“At District league or even Hampden league level, football should never be in front of family life. It’s about finding that happy medium.

“The players know if they want to play finals football, they have a job to keep themselves reasonably fit over the summer months.”