Top-order batsman Otto Opperman has returned to the Tigers while former Camperdown and Newport-Digman talent Troy McLaughlin will also suit up.

Run-scoring woes plagued Merrivale this past season with the club notching the second-lowest total in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association.

But restrictive bowling - the Tigers also conceded the second-lowest amount of runs - meant they could secure a sixth-place finish overall.

"We've probably strengthened up our batting quite a bit," Lynch said.

"I think it'll help Jeremy (Burgess) and Josh (Stapleton) out a bit. Theo (Opperman) is another one who had a good year last year and with Otto and Troy in there, it'll help with the kids we have coming through.

"They'll continue to get opportunities. We're really excited, there's a lot of talent to develop."

The Standard understands Merrivale has retained its entire list of players.

Lynch, who was appointed senior coach in April after a one-year stint at Grassmere, said the club was still chasing "one or two" recruits.

He said the return of Opperman and McLaughlin's decision to join meant the club was well-positioned.

"Otto is a past premiership player. I'm delighted to have him back. He's had a bit of a hit in Geelong over the past couple of years," Lynch said.

"He has a lot of talent and is just a very good batsman."

Lynch said McLaughlin, a leg-spinner, would contribute with both bat and ball.

He said the club was embarking on pre-season training in a bid to be ready for the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association's October 31 start.

"We had our first training run on Sunday. There's all the new protocols coming through (from Cricket Victoria) but we're really on top of that now," Lynch said.

"The guys are really upbeat and we've had really good numbers. Everyone is looking forward to seeing what can come of the season.

"I think a lot of people are hanging for something to do on a weekend and getting around with some mates having a game of cricket to mingle a bit."

The Tigers' most recent finals appearance was in the 2013-14 season when they finished atop the now defunct Hopkins conference.

Burgess and Stapleton - who co-coached the club between 2017 and 2020 - led Merrivale within 0.625 points of a finals berth in 2019 but narrowly missed to Dennington.

As for Merrivale's aspirations this summer?

"Every team sets out to win a premiership but we'll definitely be aiming to play finals and just go from there," Lynch said.

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