The young South Bendigo squad only won one more game in 2016 compared to 2015, but it was the way they played that showed why Bloods fans have plenty to look forward to in the years to come.

“We’re expecting 10 to 20 per cent improvement from the younger players that had a year of senior footy under their belt last year,’’ Childs said.

“We’ll continue to develop those younger players… that’s why we haven’t gone and out and recruited heavily.

“We’ve only lost three senior players (Rory Alexander, Charles Trottman and Matt Chisari), so we think we’re well placed to improve again this year.”

Childs, who missed 2016 because of a knee reconstruction, has trained strongly in the pre-season and will be a key addition to the Bloods’ midfield.

South Bendigo’s first pre-season game is against Balwyn in Bendigo on March 18. The Bloods then play Bell Park in Bendigo on March 25 before rounding out their pre-season campaign against Colbinabbin at a venue yet to be decided on April 1.

South Bendigo opens the 2017 BFNL season against Eaglehawk at the QEO on Good Friday.