Bombers, Roos shape as interesting cases ahead of Hampden league season

We'll get an insight when Koroit and South Warrnambool lock horns on Good Friday but otherwise, teams could look a little different after a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two teams have flown under the radar a little and might not be in most people's finals calculations but this is why you can't write them off.

Cobden and Hamilton Kangaroos are intriguing.

The Bombers are another year wiser under coach Adam Courtney and while they haven't signed a swarm of big names, they've quietly been chipping away.

Tyler Murnane will be a strong addition, coming from Geelong Football League outfit Colac, while Mark Marriott, Ricky Sullivan and Josh Woods are all quality additions.

Woods is a former South Colac best-and-fairest, Marriott has a NAB League background and Sullivan's previous stint at Cobden and with the Gold Coast Suns academy speaks for itself.

They haven't brought in players in the same stature as a South Warrnambool, but they'll be solid, Hampden league-quality footballers.

Hamilton Kangaroos is another fascinating proposition.

How much impact will coach Gerard FitzGerald have on Hamilton Kangaroos? They've certainly lost a couple of players but the addition of some quality in Lachie Waddell, Tom Scott and others will give the Melville Oval-based club hope.

'Fitzy' is a well credentialed mentor - his three Victorian Football League premierships speak to that - and it'll be interesting to see how the Kangaroos shape up under his guidance.

It looks as if Koroit, North Warrnambool Eagles, South Warrnambool and Warrnambool will be fighting it out for top-four positions but that fifth spot is shaping as an open race.

Can Hamilton Kangaroos or Cobden snare the position or will another club take the chocolates?

Port Fairy, who has recruited former St Kilda and Hawthorn running defender Shane Savage, will be hoping its top-end talent can get it over the line.

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There's enough of it - but after losing several players in the off-season - it's depth may come into question.

But with second-year coach Winis Imbi at the helm, the club will be keen to see the fruits of its culture reset with players who want to be part of things at Gardens Oval.

Camperdown is another who is happy with its younger talent and could push for a spot, while Terang Mortlake and Portland will be well-coached.

It's genuinely open for the taking thanks to that element of unknown.

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