Dylan Cross: The former Bomber will have a big point to prove at the Cattery this season after moving from Reid Oval. The strong midfielder is expected to have the shackles removed by senior coach Ben Price and he could be a force to be reckoned with this year.

Brad Edge: The young midfielder enjoyed a breakout year in 2018 and will again be one to watch running through the middle of the ground for the Cats. 

Nick Johnstone: A two-time J.A Esam medallist is a handy inclusion to any team and the Cats will thoroughly enjoy having the midfielder back in the hoops this season. The former captain will be confident after a successful year with Heywood where he coached them to a premiership. He brings plenty of experience. 

Tully Allwood: The Dogs' tough midfielder is a threat all over the ground. If he gets a sniff of a goal he is very hard to stop as Panmure found out in the final round last season when the new Dennington assistant coach slotted four majors to lead his side to victory. With midfield mate Angus Chirnside departing he is set to lead the midfield solo. 

Tom Fitzgerald: A big season and a coaching role with the Dogs' under 18s could be a blessing for the 19-year-old. He will be eager to take a step up in Dennginton's midfield this season.

Danny Chatfield: Inspirational playing-coach who leads by example from the Bombers' defence. Directs traffic, wins his own ball and is one of the toughest players in the league.

James Richards: The big forward will be eager to step up his game and make an impact after joining the Bombers in the off-season from Ballarat Football League club Sebastopol. Playing alongside brother Joel will give him an added boost.

Ben Johnson: The 2011 J. A. Esam Medal winner is a smooth mover with crisp skills but also a huge work rate. He will help set a high standard for his Power teammates to try and emulate in his return to the club.

Jason Moloney: Big-bodied midfielder has proved over and over why he is such an important player for the Power. Adds clean disposal, size and strength to Kolora-Noorat's midfield rotations, which have been strengthened this year.

Mark Clissold: The premiership forward returns from another stint at Terang Mortlake and will slot easily into the Power's attack once again. A tough tackler who is a proven goal-kicker with 28 from 15 games in the Hampden league last season.

Brodie Edge: The Power midfield can expect a large amount of first supply with Edge, who is returning from playing in Geelong, in the middle of the ground. Big body who will be invaluable to Ben Walsh's hopes of a senior flag in his first year.

Jason Rowan: Champion Hampden league forward who, if given a large amount of space in the forward 50, can tear defenders to shreds with his speed and marking ability.  

Todd McLean: His premiership experience from the most successful club in the Hampden league's history will be an invaluable asset to Jason Rowan's young side. Big bodied player who will bring confidence to the Tigers' back six.

Sam Gleeson: Hard midfielder who isn't afraid to get in-and-under. Will be looking to build on a solid 2018 and continue to lead from the front in the midfield as the Tigers aim for finals. 

Brayden Harkness: Under-rated half-back who is effectively a 'quarterback' player for the Blues. Harkness hardly ever misses a target and will be a big player with the new kick-out rule coming into affect this season.

Will Paulin: Tall and agile midfielder who will be full of confidence after winning a premiership in 2018 and finishing third in the J. A. Esam Medal voting after an injury-plagued season. Has good skills and can cut teams apart with his kicking.

Johno Benallack: The former Cobden on-baller will bring more grunt to the reigning premiers' engine room. Good at reading the play and also has the capability to go forward and kick goals. 

Jesse Dalton: With Travis Graham heading back to Warrnambool, Dalton could benefit from more space in the forward line. He kicked 20 goals from 13 games last season after 47 the year before. Expect him to be pushing back around the 50 mark this season.

Josh Reichman: With the coaching reigns handed over, expect Reichman to get back to concentrating on trying to play his best footy every week. Has the ability to float through the midfield or as a key-position player in attack. 

Scott Lenehan: A former league best and fairest winner who is one of the competition's most dominant ruckmen. His strength around the contest is second-to-none and his repeat efforts ensure the Warriors are always moving forward.

Colby Rix: One of the Warriors' top players in the midfield and with Sam Dwyer's availability every week unknown he will become more important than ever. Can pop up and kick goals when resting forward.

Louis Kew: Managed 14 senior games with North Warrnambool Eagles last season and is a talented midfield prospect. Helps Panmure add depth.

Chris Bant: The two-time premiership Bulldog returns to the club with the desire to lift his side off the bottom of the ladder. As playing-coach expect him to be a swinging between forward and defensive duties this season.

READ MORE: Bulldogs ready to bite back after rock-bottom finish

Andy McMeel: Star midfielder who returned to the game after a couple of seasons out last year and took home his first J. A. Esam Medal. Formerly a North Warrnambool Eagles star in the Hampden league. Capable of causing headaches with his class and explosiveness out of the contest.

Lukas Essenwanger: The former Rebel will slot nicely into the Kangaroos' ruck. Has height and agility to make sure he gives his midfielders first use of the football. Senior coach Peter Timms was excited to see him in action.

Aaron Seabrook: Has a full pre-season under his belt and could prove to be a big recruit for the Lions. Tough, inside midfielder that will drive his side's ball movement from the inside.

Braden Hotker: Gun midfielder who offers real grunt in the Rovers' engine room. Talented inside player who is strong through traffic. Another big season from the Lions' captain would see them back into finals.

Marcus Hickey: The Demons' big ruckman has taken on the coaching role but his impact around the ground will still be felt with his strength at stoppages. Is hardly beaten in a wrestle and gives his midfielders clean space with his tap outs around the ground.

Ben Newey: The tough operator brings over 100 games of experience to the Demon's engine room. Is all class and a leader within the side. Can impact games with goals and gives 100 per cent to every contest he hits.

Andrew Hargreaves: The league best and fairest runner-up has now had a season behind him after recovering from a ruptured ACL and is fitter than ever. Expecting the tough midfielder to find another gear in 2019 and be one of the league's top players again come season's end.

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