Panthers skipper Ben Threlfall believes Dalton - who has crossed from Wesley-Yambuk - can provide depth as his side works to better its sixth-place finish from this past season.

"We expect he'll get an opportunity at some stage," Threlfall said.

"He'll be a really handy depth player for us. He's obviously opened the batting at Wesley and he's a handy bowler too.

"His role might be a little bit different with us but I'm sure he'll be handy for us."

Threlfall said Dalton could both knuckle down and play shots depending on the situation at hand. The second-year skipper was hopeful West Warrnambool could improve its form in limited overs cricket - a major Achilles heel this past season.

The Panthers - a pre-season finals fancy after a strong recruiting drive - won just three of their first 15 one-day fixtures last summer.

Strong form in 80-over cricket, however, meant they won each of their four two-day games to salvage a sixth-place finish.

Threlfall said the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association's upcoming fixture, which will place more emphasis on two-day cricket, suited his side.

"The one-day format has probably let us down a little and we need to get better at that to be a top side," he said.

"It's good to see more two-day cricket as I think it suits the players we've got.

"We've got a pretty steady batting order who can bat for long periods and accumulate runs. We've got a lot of bowlers there who can really bowl long spells and do that accurately."

Threlfall said the Panthers were eager to see growth and "start to see that belief in each other". Community sport is restricted to training until 80 per cent of the state's eligible population are vaccinated for COVID-19.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.