Andrews was appointed coach of the Magpies in September, returning to the club in which he played in a Bendigo league premiership with in 1999.

"It has been going well. We had good numbers at training before Christmas and a good energy around the club," Andrews said on Thursday.

"We've gone out pretty hard to try to get some key targets; we got some and missed out on others, which is what happens in footy at this time of the year and we're just looking forward to getting back into it."

Heading the list of recruits for the Magpies is Jacob Lohmann, a former Maryborough junior returning to the club after a stint with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the NAB League and North Melbourne in the VFL.

"Jake is still young being only 21 or 22, but he's had some time in the VFL and played some quality football in the Ballarat league (with Lake Wendouree)," Andrews said.

"When he left he always said that he was going to come back and it's great he has this year for what is 150 years of the Maryborough footy club.

"He's doing pre-season training with Sandringham, which is great for him and we're rapt to have him back.

"He's the type of player who can play any position be it midfield, forward or down back; he's six-foot two, is a good size and is going to be a really good player for us."

READ MORE - Maryborough premiership player Rick Andrews returning to Magpies as new senior coach

As well as Lohmann signing, the Magpies have also picked up the quartet of ruckman/key forward Patrick Chard, midfielder/half-back Liam Mackie, outside midfielder Sam Mackie and inside midfielder Patrick Vanderpol.

"We feel we've done well with those recruits and we've also been able to add a few local guys as well," Andrews said.

The Magpies, who last played senior finals in 2010, have announced a leadership group of Coby Perry, Jayden Hooper, Brady Neill and last year's best and fairest winner Bailey Edwards.

"First and foremost those boys all have the club at heart," Andrews said.

"It hasn't been the easiest ride for them, but they all want some success.

"The main thing though is they all love the playing group that is there and being around each other... all four are high integrity, good people who put the club first.

"I can't speak highly enough of them."

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Meanwhile, Andrews is preparing for a year in which his side will have to be flexible and ready to deal with fixture changes and disruptions given the continued potential impact of COVID on community sporting competitions during the pandemic.

"We've just got to be flexible, relaxed and understanding that whatever happens isn't in our control; it's one of those things where you just have to go with whatever is thrown up at you and I'm sure that's going to be the position of every club," Andrews said.

The Magpies will open their 2022 season with an away game against Kangaroo Flat at Dower Park on April 9 before hosting country rivals Castlemaine on Good Friday in round two.

April 9 - v Kangaroo Flat (a)

April 15 - v Castlemaine (h)

April 23 - v Golden Square (a)

April 30 - v Gisborne (h)

May 7 - v Eaglehawk (h)

May 14 - v Strathfieldsaye (a)

May 28 - v Sandhurst (h)

June 4 - v South Bendigo (a)

June 11 - v Kyneton (h)

June 18 - v Kangaroo Flat (h)

June 25 - v Castlemaine (a)

July 9 - v Golden Square (h)

July 16 - v Gisborne (a)

July 23 - v Eaglehawk (a)

July 30 - v Strathfieldsaye (h)

August 6 - v Sandhurst (a)

August 13 - v South Bendigo (h)

August 20 - v Kyneton (a)

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