Change creates opportunity for Eaglehawk in the BFNL in 2020.
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After three-straight BFNL grand final appearances, the Hawks' playing list has had a makeover.
Much has been made of the long list of experienced players that have left the club.
Those departures have opened opportunities for some talented young players to stake their claim for a senior game.
It's also created an opportunity for the proud Borough to prove outsiders wrong.
The Hawks have already been written off as a premiership contender by many local footy pundits.
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"Most of the blokes are probably aware that there's been a lot of talk about who has left the club and less focus on who we do have at the club,'' Eaglehawk coach Travis Matheson said.
"Throw names around like Filo, Hommelhoff, Holmes, Harper...they're pretty well established players.
"Internally, most guys are going to be pretty driven to make sure we don't drop down the ladder."
That drive to succees has shown on the training track.
Matheson couldn't he happier with how the Hawks' pre-season has progressed and he's been particularly impressed by the impact of those players that were outside of the club's best 22 in 2019.
"There's a number of young guys that can now see themselves in the senior side and that's increased motivation,'' Matheson said.
"They've done a lot of work and are benefiting from that.
"I think having different faces on the track has freshened everyone up. The pre-season has been really encouraging."
A heavy turnover of senior players hasn't forced Matheson to spend summer changing the way he wants the Borough to play.
The Hawks will be intent on moving the ball quickly.
"We will play reasonably similar to how we played last year,'' Matheson said.
"Our instruction to the players will be to play to their strengths.
"The likes of Brodie Filo, Gedd Hommelhoff and Riley Saunders will be given the leeway to show their tricks."
The Borough will play practice matches against Rochester (away), North Ballarat (away) and Mallee Eagles (home on March 28).
Their first game of the BFNL season is against South Bendigo at the QEO on Good Friday.
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