"We had a great season last year but there is always lots of things we can improve on," said Stannard, who cited batting partnerships as the area needing the most work. The Colts take on Dennington at Henty Park today, with the coach unsure what to expect.

"We haven't heard a lot about any other teams and don't know much about who has picked up different players," he said.

"We'll just be worrying about ourselves at the start of the season."

Dennington's new captain-coach Glenn Skinner was looking forward to the challenge. "I think they've been training pretty well," he said.

"They'll be the team to beat so I think it's a good test for us having them first up."

Eyes will be on recruit Ben Menzel, who lives in Portland but is lining up for Dennington - which finished ninth last season.

"He's got a couple of good friends at our club so he just wants to have a hit with his mates," Skinner said.

"He looks to be a good cricketer and is keen to get going.

"So is everyone else."

Russells Creek enters the match against Nirranda Knights as favourite while Nestles should take the points over Wesley.

Brierly will be hoping to get off to a good start against West Warrnambool after the Bulls made the four last season while Merrivale and Allansford - both predicted as big improvers - will battle it out.