Terang Mortlake backs list to cover experienced duo

New coach Ben Kenna said the Bloods, who have lost former assistant coach McKenzie (injury) and Staunton (Springbank), believed Jarryd Hay, Joe Arundell and Gus Bourke could inspire their younger players when the Hampden league campaign kicks off on April 4.

"I think there are a lot of guys in that mid-20s bracket and they'll take that slack up that will be left from a few of the older guys," he said.

"They have played quite a bit of senior footy and will step into those roles now."

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The Bloods' additions at this stage are exciting forward Mark Clissold (Kolora-Noorat), midfielder-wingman Brohdi Carracher, who has moved to Warrnambool for work after studying at university in South Australia, and the returning Jordan Harris (Modewarre).

Terang Mortlake is still chasing recruits but Kenna believes growth will come from within.

"It always gives opportunities to those young fellas when you do lack a little bit of senior-experienced players," he said.

"They'll get fast-tracked and get more opportunities than what they might at a club that has more depth."

Teenager Kane Johnstone is one of those players expected to slot into the Bloods' best 21.

Johnstone made his senior debut for the club in the final round of the 2018 season, aged 16, but was sidelined last year with a serious injury.

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"He did his shoulder in round one last year, so he's like a new recruit," Kenna said.

"He's not even 18 yet. He had a shoulder reconstruction but he trained well before Christmas and will pretty much be able to do everything going forward now once we get back into it.

"He's a quick and skilful player, an outside player which I think we need more of to help us with ball movement."

The Bloods returned to training on Wednesday night with ball movement atop Kenna's agenda.

They will train two nights a week with "expectations for the guys to be doing plenty of work away from the club as well in their own time" in the lead-up to the season-opener.

"There is upside to the way we can play. If I can get the confidence and our skill level up a bit and decision-making and where to move the footy to, hopefully there will be a bit more flow with the ball than what has previously been there," Kenna said.

"There's a lot of coaches who target to achieve that."

Terang Mortlake, which finished last with a 3-15 win-loss record last season, hosts Camperdown in round one.

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