FOUR Warrnambool debutants are expected to add spark to a Melbourne Country Week side hell-bent on redemption.
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First-timers including spinner Joe Kenna, all-rounder Jake Hetherington, wicketkeeper Ross Levett and bowler Xavier Beks have been included as Warrnambool strives for promotion back to the competition's top-tier.
Woodford skipper Nick Butters will lead the side for the second-successive time.
Reigning cricketer of the year Mark Murphy and ex-Allansford captain Chris Bant are his deputies.
We would have liked a bit more youth but it's good to have an experienced set of players.
- Ray Drew
Warrnambool coach Ray Drew said the selected squad was comprised of the "best available players".
Drew said selectors opted for more experience due to new regulations at the week-long tournament.
"Instead of just three days, a semi-final, and a final, the top-two sides from the group stage play off in the final," he said.
"We would have liked a bit more youth but it's good to have an experienced set of players.
"We're quietly confident and believe we're up to it."
The Dennington legend said the four debutants earned their selection.
He expected fielding to be a strength and spruiked the side's bowling variety.
"It'll be quite a good fielding side. Your Mark Murphys, your Jake Hetheringtons and your Alex Jennings-type players are very good," Drew said.
"We've got some very handy medium-to-fast options in bowling and three spinners in Kenna, Jennings and Butters.
"We're happy with that."
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Woodford boasts five players - Butters, Levett, Jennings, Tyler Fowler and Hank Schlaghecke - in the 14-strong squad, the most of any club.
Russells Creek has three, Jimmy Elford, Matt Petherick and Kenna, while Brierly-Christ Church's sole representative is Murphy.
Allansford (Bant), Nestles (Hetherington), Dennington (Beks), Port Fairy (Jason Perera) and West Warrnambool (Ben Threlfall) also have one cricketer apiece.
Warrnambool will begin its division two country week campaign against Warragul at Princes Park on February 17.