With the return of valuable players and some gun recruits Merrivale is bound to be more competitive in the Warrnambool and District Football Netball League this season.
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But it's the Tiger cubs, who played through a tough 2018, that have new coach Carly Peake most excited.
Peake said Eliza Ljubic, April Worden and Tatum Cassidy were her players to watch this year.
"The junior girls were thrown in the deep end last year and had to play four quarters each week as well as their junior grades," she said.
"I think they will really develop and grow this year among a few older and more experienced players."
The trio played their first season of A grade together last season, an impressive feat given their ages.
Year 11 Emmanuel College student Cassidy is just 16 and will line up on some of the league's best goalies when she takes her position as goal keeper this season.
Worden said she was proud of her teammate.
"Tatum has been playing A grade since she was 15," Worden said.
"There's not too many other 15-year-olds in the league that are playing A grade.
"So it's a pretty big deal and she does really well."
Cassidy, who has played with the Tigers since under 13s, said she was looking forward to another season.
"Definitely to learn some new skills off the older and returning players," she said.
The young Tigers defender will play two matches each Saturday, taking on the under 17s as well.
Moving up court, you will see Worden playing centre or wing attack this season.
The year 12 at Warrnambool College said last season was a tough but valuable experience.
"We had lots of younger girls who were playing two games every week and we were a very new side," she said.
"We stepped up a lot and it was a good experience.
"It will be a good new experience with all the other girls coming back.
"We'll learn a bit more and it will be good having Carly as coach."
Under the net this season you will find 18-year-old Eliza Ljubic.
The year 12 Emmanuel College student can't wait to get back on court.
"I enjoy meeting new people and improving after training and games," she said.
Ljubic previously played with South Warrnambool and last year was her first at Merrivale.
Surrounding the young Tigers this season are a host of returning players including Cloe Pulling, Nicole Ferguson and Chantelle Moloney.
On top of that they have recruited Hampden league gun Millie Mahony from Koroit.
Mahony is a Koroit division one premiership player and best and fairest who hopes to help the Tigers next generation of stars.
The young Merrivale trio will be guided by new coach Peake who has won six senior premierships playing with Koroit.
The Tigers finished ninth last season, only winning three matches.
Merrivale face Russells Creek at the Merrivale Recreation Reserve in round one.
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