Factory skipper Geoff Williams believes batsman Brendan Chatfield, who crossed from Killarney, will help steady Nestles' top order.

Williams revealed Chatfield's leadership - he was an assistant coach in Allansford's senior football program - meant he was a target for the Reid Oval club.

"He'll be a handy addition," Williams said.

"We identified our batting as an area we wanted to improve and we were very happy to get Brendan on board.

"He was keen to test himself and to play on the Reid Oval every second week. Being 26, he was keen to have a go in town after having a good run in the Grassmere Cricket Association."

Williams, who will lead alongside coach Alex Strauch, urged Nestles' young brigade to take the next step in their development as cricketers.

"They're not juniors anymore, they've probably played 40 or 50 games of A grade cricket," he said.

"We want them to become leaders of the club.

"Jacob Hetherington had a good last season, Caleb Bidmade had a breakout season probably a couple of seasons ago and guys like Jackson Couch and Lewis Eldridge are looking to improve again."

Nestles faces Allansford at Uebergang Oval in round one.

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