Youth to lead the way for Shane Smith-led Warrnambool Seahawks in 2020

The Seahawks, who have lost Dean to university commitments in Albury, will unveil their new-look squad in their Big V season-opener against Bulleen Boomers on the road on Saturday night.

Four additions - Benson Steere, Fletcher Steere, Tom Symons and Logan McLeod - can all run the point as can Liam Osborne who shared the duties with Dean last season.

"We are a little bit small but with the style of game we're playing, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle," Smith said.

"It's just maintaining it. With speed and aggressive play, you can get in foul trouble. It can go one way or the other, so we're going to give it a go."

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Smith will have experienced trio Alex Gynes, Ollie Bidmade and James Mitchell at his disposal in round one while former coach and spiritual leader Tim Gainey (unavailable) will suit up from next weekend.

Emerging talents such as Hayden Rhook, Riley Nicolson, Adam Lawson, Jack Patterson and Camperdown-based teenager Ben Walters will also get court time in 2020.

"We are going in confident. It's obviously a new-look squad and we're looking to capitalise on our youth and fast game," Smith said.

"We're trying to get a different style of game happening.

"We've got lots of people who will play plenty of time and be able to rotate, so that's what we're confident and really excited about."

Smith said the Seahawks' import search was ongoing following the loss of All-Star and dynamic shooter Xavier Johnson-Blount to a higher level.

"We definitely want one. There's a couple of things that have come out in the last couple of days that might work out for us," he said.

"We're looking at a guy at the moment, he's a big guy."

The Seahawks' first game is at 8pm at East Doncaster Secondary College.

The Mermaids open their season on the road against Camberwell Dragons at 2pm Sunday.

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