"We've got a pretty good team this year," he said. "We've practised on turf, the preparation's been really good.

"It really comes down to how well the guys gel together."

The 14-player squad will be based at Coughlin Park, which will also be the venue for their first two games against

Warrnambool Blue and Warrnambool Gold on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

Wimmera-Mallee will then clash with Portland and District at Dudley Cornell Park on Wednesday, before facing Hamilton District at Sunnyside on Thursday.

Fernandez highlighted captain Harley Durward of St Arnaud and Birchip's Joe Reid as two key players.

"Harley's very full-on, he loves his cricket, is very mature for his age and with the way he goes about his cricket," he said.

Fernandez said Reid, a bottom-age player and cousin of Essendon fast bowler Steven Reid, was a quality batsman and left-arm bowler.

"If Birchip had an A Grade team, he'd be playing A Grade no worries," Fernandez said.

The Wimmera-Mallee coach said his side had an even spread of talent, with Reid, Donald opening batsman Keelan Westerland and Hopetoun product Jack Landrigan all part of the Western Waves' under-14 squad.

He said Brim's Summer Schultz would play a cameo role, with all-rounder Dustan Oakley and batsman-keeper Isaac McPherson also set to play important roles.

With a number of bottom and top-age players from across seven different clubs, Fernandez said he hoped his players would develop as cricketers and team members over the week.

"It's not about playing for sheep stations," he said.

"It's just about supporting each other, enjoying the week and taking the opportunities."