Fitter, faster and more midfield depth - that's the plan for Sandhurst as its preparation for the 2020 BFNL season hits top gear.
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With their normal pre-season training venue Ewing Park out of action because of redevelopment works, the Dragons have made the most of a rare opportunity to train on the QEO.
Everything is pointing towards a strong year for the club.
The Dragons have 65 players on the books, including a plethora of improving young players.
Sandhurst coach Ashley Connick has seen a marked improvement in his squad in his second season in charge.
Connick said eight players completed the 2km time-trial in quicker time than the fastest mark last year, with ruckman Chris Down slashing his time by one minute.
Premiership defender James Coghlan, who returns to the club after a stint in Melbourne, has set the standard in training.
Connick said Andy Collins had "barely missed a session" and that Lee Coghlan was "building well" as he pushes to play in the first half of the season after missing all of last year because of a knee reconstruction. Key forward Will Holt is training strongly after leg and shoulder injuries ruined his 2019 season.
Midfield depth was a key ingredient to Strathfieldsaye's and Eaglehawk's success in the BFNL in recent years.
That's why Sandhurst was so keen to entice Nick Waterson back to his "home" club.
Waterson returns from Maiden Gully YCW where he was one of the premier midfielders in the LVFNL.
The smooth-moving wingman will add some class to a Sandhurst group that was riddled with injuries in 2019.
Waterson has been one of the standouts in pre-season training.
The Dragons have lost best and fairest winner Jake Pallpratt to Benalla, but the arrival of Waterson, Jack Daley (Huntly), Jayden Jones (Wedderburn) and a host of depth players has the club excited about its 2020 prospects.
Sandhurst will play practice matches against Colbinabbin (March 13), Rochester (March 21) and Deniliquin (March 28) ahead of its season-opener against reigning premier Strathfieldsaye in a twilight fixture at Tannery Lane on Good Friday.
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