Warrnambool Rangers return to training after coronavirus-forced hiatus

The Cameron Pyke-coached side returned to training at Jones Oval on Tuesday night after months in a coronavirus-enforced hiatus.

Pyke said his side - who was working to cover the off-season departures of Isaac Slater (relocated) and Liam Priestley (overseas) - was keen to return.

He said several junior players were pressing for senior selection at training throughout the club's pre-season.

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"We've lost a couple of players from last season, a couple have moved away," he said.

"Isaac has moved up to Melbourne more permanently so he'll be a big loss being a pretty pivotal key player for us over the last couple of years as well as Liam Priestley, who is travelling overseas.

"They're two huge losses for our squad but as always it opens up a spot for somebody from our juniors to come up and fill a place.

"They've shown their enthusiasm and they've been propping up the training numbers throughout pre-season.

"They'll get their spot when the time comes as they've really worked hard for it."

Pyke said the club was focusing heavily on non-contact training drills to ensure they honoured state government restrictions.

"With the guidelines that are in place, it's a lot of focuso n the non-contact side of training," he said.

"For us, that means a lot of passing chains and building up of play as well as some finishing and things like that."

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