Warrnambool pushing 2020 Hampden league premiership credentials

The goal-kicking midfielder said the Blues were nutting out a plan which would help them topple six-time reigning premier Koroit and beaten grand finalist North Warrnambool Eagles.

The Blues, who finished third last season, are bullish about what they can achieve when the Hampden league season kicks off on April 4.

"We've worked on our game plan and changed one or two things that will help us against clubs like North and Koroit," Turland said.

"We've identified a few things we can improve on against them like chipping our way through their zone.

"They just set up too well and we turned the ball over too much against North and Koroit, they're a bit the same in defence, and we just have to make sure we get down there more and score."

MORE FOOTBALL:

Turland - one of the shortest yet most damaging players in the competition - said his maiden league best and fairest had added "a bit of pressure to continue the same form".

"But at the same time I am just hoping the team gets better," he said.

"A lot of young kids are coming through and hopefully they see what I do on the track and during games and that just makes them better players.

"I am not too worried if I don't go out and have the same sort of season as long as the team is doing well and everyone is getting better."

Turland has seen enough during pre-season to believe that growth within will come to fruition, tipping Harry Ryan, Zacc Dwyer, Tom Jenkins and Angus Lowe to take on more responsibility at senior level.

"Young Harry Ryan, he's been having a crack. He's always working hard on his game to get better and his fitness," he said.

"I think he could be a really good weapon at either end of the field."

Another positive is Darcy Graham's progress from a knee reconstruction. Turland will work with Graham in the Blues' midfield.

"He's fit as a fiddle at the minute and is flat out at the gym to get back as soon as he can," he said.

"He's a leader and also pushes other blokes to be better as well which is what we need, especially with young kids coming through."

Have you signed up to The Standard'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 the south-west.