The Eels are plotting for life without bowler Tyler Fowler, who has left for West Warrnambool, and all-rounder Alex Jennings, who will captain Port Fairy.

Fowler, who bowled first-change for Woodford this past season, is likely to lead the line at his new club while Jennings will lead a young Pirates outfit coached by Brian Medew.

Butters told The Standard more opportunity was on the horizon for several players who'd jumped between division one and two in past campaigns.

"No one likes to lose talented players but it's just the nature of the game," he said.

"There are some guys who have had tastes of division one - Jackson Grundy, Ollie King and Tommy Creece - who will get more opportunity.

"Even a player like Liam Burgess. He's a quality bowler but hasn't had as much chance the last few seasons. He'll get a bit more time."

Woodford will play its first three fixtures at Bushfield oval before spending the rest of the season on the road after its agreement at Koroit's Jack Keane Oval expired at the end of this past season.

The Warrnambool and District Cricket Association is keen to play division one fixtures on turf wickets, which is why the Eels are unable to use Bushfield as a top-grade home.

"It's not ideal," Butters said of playing away each week after round three.

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"You just have to take your medicine because long-term it could work out to be a good thing for us.

"Home teams will know how their wickets play but I don't think it'll make too much difference."

Butters, Warrnambool's Melbourne Country Week skipper, said the club's experienced players would help it navigate the issue.

"We've played on these wickets year-in, year-out for a long time," he said.

"They've been really good lately. There has been some really flat wickets around town.

"I'd expect the same this season. With no footy, I reckon there should be some belters."

Woodford made this past season's two-day cricket grand final but didn't get to face off against Brierly-Christ Church due to COVID-19.

The game was called off and the Bulls, who finished first overall on the home and away ladder, were crowned premiers.

Butters said his players were excited to resume cricket after a winter with no consistent team sport.

Woodford will face the Ben Dobson-led Wesley-CBC at Bushfield oval in its round one clash.

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