Panmure has recruited two backman for WDFNL season 2021

The Bulldogs have retained their 2020 list and picked up Liam Lyons (North Warrnambool Eagles) and Tate Gardiner (South Rovers).

The Standard has previously noted Isaac Sinnott, who won the Hampden league's 2019 Judd Cup with Koroit, is also on board for 2021.

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The talented youngster is an exciting addition to the Bulldogs' midfield.

Lyons played 18 reserves matches with the Eagles in the Hampden league in 2019.

"He's a small, running defender," Bant said.

Key-position defender, Gardiner, suited up 15 times for the Lions in 2019.

Bant said the pair would help release players into other positions.

His aim is to play regular key-positioned back, Jacob Moloney, up forward this season.

Moloney only just graduated from juniors but showed plenty at senior level when up forward in 2019.

He booted 10 goals across the season.

Bant sees Moloney as an option at centre half-forward or full-forward.

The Bulldogs coach said he had been impressed by Moloney and other youngsters such as, Lachlan McLeod and Brad Gedye, on the training track.

"The one thing I've noticed is our young fellas have really matured a lot in the past 12 months," he said.

He feels they're better prepared for senior footy.

Panmure has been training Mondays and Wednesdays.

The state government's five-day coronavirus pandemic lockdown means training is off-limits until at least Thursday.

Bant said the Bulldogs would hit the track on Friday if government restrictions allowed.

Many senior footballers, including Bant, play cricket for Warrnambool and District side Allansford-Panmure.

Bant said he had been happy with training numbers given the competing commitments.

"They're all pretty good," he said.

"That's why we're only doing two nights of training a week, thought three would be too much with cricket."

The Bulldogs also had the chance to learn from former Sandringham Dragons coach Josh Bourke who took a training session in January.

Panmure, which lost a 2019 elimination final to Old Collegians, are playing high-quality opposition in their practice matches this pre-season.

They have Terang Mortlake on March 3, Colac District league club Alvie on March 12 and North Warrnambool Eagles on March 20.

Panmure plays Dennington in round one. It's first home game won't come until round three against Nirranda.