Nirranda's star recruits impressing on training track

The state government's five-day coronavirus lockdown means training is off-limits - interrupting the Blues' three sessions a week.

Playing-coach Brayden Harkness got his troops back to training earlier than usual, January 11, and has been stoked with their progress.

He said the multi-talented Ben Threlfall had been putting in a solid pre-season ahead of Warrnambool and District league 2021.

"Not only is he making runs for West Warrnambool, he's absolutely tearing up the track as well," he said.

"Which has surprised a lot of people considering how committed he is to his cricket.

"He has hardly missed a beat."

Harkness added full-back Luke Weel was as fit as he had ever been.

"He's been right up the front of a lot of our running," he said.

The coach has also been impressed with recruits Scott Carlin, a former Greater Western Victoria Rebel and Werribee prospect, and Jack Spokes who came from Geelong club Thomson.

Carlin's versatility could prove crucial for the Blues which are looking to go one better after losing to Kolora-Noorat in the 2019 grand final.

"He can play a number of positions and he'll play through the midfield and back line," Harkness said.

The Blues mentor said Spokes would slot in nicely in the midfield.

Harkness confirmed Josh Irving had switched to Hampden league club Warrnambool.

He also said recruit Josh Folkes had gone back to South Warrnambool and Sam McLean had returned to Terang Mortlake.

They had intended to play with Nirranda in 2020.

Harkness said the focus at training had been adding some polish to his team renowned as a hard in-and-under side.