• LAST SEASON: 7th (W7, D4, L13)
• TOP SCORER: Noah Mies (16)
• DEPARTURES: Will Compagne (Launceston United), Charlie Dyer (Magpies Crusaders United)
• ARRIVALS: Louis Anthony (Eastwood, UK), Sam Ridgard (Belper Utd, UK), Rob Gerrard (Northern Rangers), Yasin Mohammadi (Launceston United), Noah Smithies-Sharples (Kingborough)
• CAPTAIN: Sam Ridgard
• PRE-SEASON GAMES: Launceston United (W 5-0), Zebras (W 2-1)

Roger Hardwicke:

How's the squad?

I'm happy with the players we've got. Like every club, we're always happy to get more but I think we've got the nucleus of a good side. Everyone needs time to understand how everyone moves and reacts so the key thing for us is game time. We're back on our own pitch which is looking sensational and suits our style of football. We really hope to make it a bit of a fortress and a tough place for teams to come.

How's training?

It's been good. I'm trying to instil that it has to be done with intensity and I'm hoping the players are starting to understand that. I've really noticed the difference in the last few weeks.

What have you learned?

That there is a lot of potential at this club. I'm trying to get a gameplan that fits in with the talent we have got. The club has done a superb job on the recruitment front and it's good to complement those that are already regulars. Our style of play is a lot different from last year and I think we can play exciting, attacking football.

Goals for 2020?

We want to be competitive. We don't just want to make up the numbers. We want to be at the pointy end of the competition and we're starting to recognise that with the players we've got we can be competitive. There's a good attitude, the culture has improved and the players are getting on well, which is positive. There's a lot of camaraderie at training and a good vibe.

Player to lookout for?

Nick Thorne has been a regular in the first team during pre-season. He does a sensible job for us in midfield dictating play. He might not make the scoresheet regularly but he's one of those invaluable players that allow others to play and he's embraced the new role we asked of him. And his house backs onto the ground so it's convenient for training.

Thoughts on new league?

I've got no problems at all coming from Queensland where we'd get planes to Cairns so a two or three hour bus trip to Hobart is nothing. I'd rather have eight decent teams than 10 with two making up the numbers. At the moment we'll go with eight and if the talent pool is there add more as long as the standard remains the same.