Merrivale unveils recruits, hopes improved depth can cover departing English import

Burgess has lured Brett Gasper, bowler Chris Woodbridge and batsman Richard McKellar to Tigerland but Englishman Sam Clarkson has returned home.

Burgess said all three recruits would strengthen the Tigers' bid for finals cricket.

"Brett has come in from Geelong - he's been down here for a few years but he's getting back into cricket after a few years off," Burgess said.

"I think he trained with Dennington a few years ago but didn't end up playing cricket at all.

"My young lad was playing soccer at Wolves and I was able to entice him to put on the pads again."

The top-order batsman said Merrivale had charged itself to better its fifth-place finish from last season.

"We probably surpassed what we thought we would achieve last year and we know there's a bit more pressure to keep it up," Burgess said.

"We don't want to drop off. The young fellas we have are a year older and that's helpful."

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Burgess conceded Clarkson's shoes were tough to fill but pointed to the Tigers' improved depth.

"He was a one-year prospect. Sam was keen to travel with his partner and play a bit of cricket but he's looking to get married back home now," he said.

"We have four or five around the mark though that can step in, guys like Brad Bell and Lachie Dwyer who are knocking on the door.

"Dylan Lovell is another. He's had two knee (reconstructions) but he's given up football now and will definitely knock on the door for division one.

"We won't rush him. We're excited for the year and we're hopeful we can take a spot in the top four."

Merrivale's fifth-place finish last season proved to its youngsters success isn't far off, Burgess said.

He said its round one clash with reigning premier Russells Creek was the ultimate litmus test. "We're aspiring to beat teams like that and we need to be more consistent with results," Burgess said.

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