The first steps in Eaglehawk's BFNL premiership defence were taken at Canterbury Park on Monday night.
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New coach Travis Matheson took control of the playing group for the first time.
"We'll get a fair balance between fitness and skills into the group prior to Christmas,'' Matheson said.
"The style of footy we plan to play means our skill level is pretty important, so we'll be spending of time with the footy in hand prior to Christmas."
Eaglehawk favourite son Matt Gretgrix has indicated he plans to play on in 2019.
The star full-forward had his 2018 season cut short because of a knee injury.
"Matt will rehab his knee and his itention is to play again next year,'' Matheson said.
The Borough has had a fruitful off-season recruiting campaign.
They've added Jarryd Pertzel from VFL club Frankston via Kerang and seven-time Kerang premiership player Ryan Gillingham.
The Borough also have also signed defender Clayton Holmes from the Cohuna Kangas and defender/ruckman Richard Tibbett from Boort.
"We're done recruiting wise unless something drastic happens between now and the start of the season,'' Matheson said.
At this stage the only departure for the Hawks is athletic ruckman Jonty Neaves.
Eaglehawk opens its 2019 season agaisnt 2018 grand final opponent Strathfieldsaye at Tannery Lane on April 13.
The Hawks will unful their premiership flag on Good Friday against South Bendigo.
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