Talented midfielder Toby Mahony hurt, but young Pies impressing coaches

Mahony underwent a full reconstruction in January after injuring his knee at basketball training.

The former Greater Western Victoria Rebels midfielder was expected to play Victorian Football League but had Camperdown as his home club.

Magpies coach Neville Swayn said Mahony's absence would be disappointing but said a vibrant pre-season effort from remaining players had impressed coaching staff.

"We've lost him for the season," Swayn said.

"His priority was obviously to play at Werribee but it's massively disappointing for him.

"But the operation went well so it's just about recovery."

Swayn said Camperdown's most recent practice matches - which were against Geelong Football League outfit Geelong West Giants and Bellarine side Modewarre - were encouraging.

"We're rapt with how it went," he said.

"Our kids really stood up against Geelong West and we were just really happy with our evenness across the board.

"We played six-quarter games and everyone got a really good hitout. We had some nice weather and some terrible weather so it was one extreme to another."

Camperdown is expected to field a young side boosted by the inclusion of more experienced recruits in Cam Spence, Judah Dundon and Jesse Gallichan.

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Swayn said the Magpies' list was made up mostly of players aged 18 to 25.

"That's the majority of what our list would be," he said.

"We're versatile and we've got good depth right through the whole squad.

"They're really enthusiastic with how they've gone about it. They're just ready to play. I feel like most clubs would be the same but they've had two long pre seasons and now they just want to get into it."

Camperdown will host Terang Mortlake under lights in its round one clash at Terang. It's round two match against Cobden will also be under lights at Leura Oval.

Swayn said the season off due to the COVID-19 pandemic meant opposition analysis was a tough proposition.

"It's all about what we can control," he said.

"You don't know everyone else's personnel or who they've lost really until you have a look at everybody."

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