Last year: 6th - 7-9

Arrivals: Lachlan Begg, Michael Cooke, Sam Demeo, Ben Haines, Jake Hall, Darcy Thompson, Jed Thompson, Bailey Wingrave.

Departures: Anthony Dennis, Chris Down, Henry Miller, Vinnie Rodi, Sam Brinsmead.

Player points: 45

Last flag: 2017

First month:

R1: v Newbridge (h)

R2: v Marong (a)

R3: v BL-Serpentine (h)

R4: v Bridgewater (a)

Past five years:

2018: 6th - 7-9

2017: 1st - 17-2

2016: 3rd - 12-7

2015: 5th - 8-9

2014: 8th - 3-13

Last season's MVP top 5:

Chris Down - 56

Alex Davis - 43

Sam Brinsmead - 41

Chris Sanders - 28

Vinnie Rodi - 25

Last season's top 5 goalkickers:

Daniel Reid - 28

Vinnie Rodi - 24

Chris Sanders - 21

Matt Magee - 20

Anthony Dennis - 18

Q and A with coach Andrew Freemantle

Chris Down has been the premier ruckman in the league for the past four years. How will you adjust now that he has made the move into Sandhurst, and who will take on the No.1 ruck role?

"Nathan Oxenham is a young player we've got who will get first crack at it. He's a young kid who has a bit of spring, so we'll give him every opportunity.

"Chris, along with all the players we've lost, have all gone into major leagues to better their footy and as a club we support that. They have left for the right reasons and, hopefully, we'll get them back in time."

What have been the main objectives of your recruiting?

"To fill the spine positions and we think we've been able to do that with Jake Hall, Michael Cooke, Sam Demeo and Ben Haines, which we're really happy with.

"At this stage Hall will play through the midfield, Cooke forward, Haines will float between midfield and ruck and Demeo will be a key back.

"We're like any other team this season in that our aim is to play finals; we're not shying away from that.

"Our depth is going to be a lot stronger with a bit more experience and there should be a lot more competition for spots in the seniors and seconds than there was last year."

Bringing in Jake Hall who has been a key part of the success over the years at Strathfieldsaye, what do you hope he provides the playing group?

"Apart from being a top-line player, the main thing we will be looking for him to do is to take a few young kids aside and work with them.

"His leadership is going to be a great asset for us."

Summary

The Demons were unable to replicate the lofty heights of 2017 when they won the flag, only to slip out of the top five and miss the finals last year.

It was a unique season for Demons given none of their three football teams made the finals.

Returning to the finals this season will be no easy task given the quality of players they have lost, headed by reigning Harding medallist and gun ruckman Chris Down to Sandhurst.

Goalsneak Vinnie Rodi is also headed to Sandhurst, while former coach Anthony Dennis, ex-captain Henry Miller and Sam Brinsmead are also on the move.

All five departures were members of the Demons' 2017 premiership team.

However, there are a number of quality inclusions into the Demons side that are headlined by Jake Hall.

With the ability to have an impact all over the ground, Hall was renowned as one the Bendigo league's premier utilities during his time at Strathfieldsaye, where he won three premierships and was also a four-time inter-league player.

Michael Cooke, who arrives from Korumburra-Bena, will be a mobile target in the forward line, the returning Ben Haines adds some size and Sam Demeo is a dual North Bendigo premiership player to slot into the backline.

And given his track record having already coached the Demons to four flags in 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008, the return to the helm of Freemantle shouldn't be under-estimated either.

Practice matches - v Huntly (March 15 at Epsom), v Lancaster (March 23 at Lancaster).

Related: Catch up on the BL-Serpentine, Bridgewater and HDFNL club previews

Related: Special offer for footy and netball fans

Coach: Christie Rogers (first year)

Last year: Runners-up

Arrivals: Lisa Miller, Hollie Alford, Chelsea Hicks, Jess Demeo, Jarileey Scholtes.

Departures: Lauren Miller Cassie-Anne Penno.

Coaching panel: Christie Rogers (A-grade); Bec Cullen (B-grade); Emily Murphy (C-reserve); Jarileey Scholtes (17-and-under); Jeannie Wagner (15-and-under); Kellie Ansett (13-and-under); Minis (Nicky Lowery).

Last five years: Second (2018); fourth (2017); third (2016); second (2015); premiers (2014).

Q and A with netball manager Karen Pascoe

What are your expectations going into the season?

It's very hard this time of year when you are still hearing whispers about other club and about who is moving in and out, but I expect we will be in the mix again.

I suspect Bridgewater will be strong again and I'm hearing whispers about Newbridge has picked up a few players.

Time will tell. It's been very close up the top the last few years, so you never know what might eventuate until you get out there on the court.

You must be happy having the two young netballers Jess Demeo and Chelsea Hicks back at Calivil after their time in the BFNL?

Both Chelsea and Jess played all their juniors with Calivil. Jess went into Golden Square last year to play in the strong BFNL 17-and-under competition and the year before she won best and fairest in the LVFNL as a young age 17-and-under, so that was the natural step for her.

The same with Chelsea, who has been a strong junior through the years. They both had good years but are studying year 12 out here at the local school, so we are very happy to have them back.

How has Christie Rogers slotted in as coach?

She's fantastic ... brilliant. She's a great leader and the girls all respect her. There would be no one who questions her as she has such a stellar reputation and experience. She is just an amazing netballer.

SUMMARY

There are some things you can count on - and when it comes to Loddon Valley netball it's almost a given that Calivil United will be a force to be reckoned with.

The Demons have been the league's most consistent team in the period of the last five years, with three grand final appearances and never dropping further than fourth position on the ladder.

It's a record that is the envy of their rivals and one the Demons have every intention of preserving.

Calivil United will head into the season with the bulk of last season's grand final line-up, with the exception of class defender Lauren Miller, who has switched to Eaglehawk, and Cassie-Ann Penno, who has retired.

Replacements have arrived in the form of Lisa Miller, from Newbridge, the returning Hollie Alford, and youngsters Chelsea Hicks and Jess Demeo, who are back at Calivil following stints in the strong BFNL 17-and-under competition.

The changes have not been limited to on-court, with star player Christie Rogers taking over the coaching reins from Teigan Redwood, who the Demons hope to have back on court at some point following an Achilles injury last season, and Karen Pascoe.

Rogers has impressed with her leadership and influence early in her term and it is with confidence the Demons believe they can remain in the premiership mix.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser'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 central Victoria.