Smith said the Horsham District league team was firmly focused on improving on a disappointing 2017 campaign in which the side finished second last on the ladder. 

“It’s just the start of pre-season but we are looking really good,” Smith said.

“Last year (at this stage) we were only getting eight players at training. This year we are averaging about 26 guys, so numbers are really good.”

Smith said he was pleased with the number of players who would return for 2018. 

“Last year we had about 30 players leave, so I knew we were going to struggle,” he said.

“I think we have only lost one player this season and we’ve kept every other player who played last year. It’s looking positive.”

Taylors Lake will be looking to develop their juniors and under-17s next season, with some players stepping up into the senior side. 

“We are spending a lot of time with our juniors,” Smith said.

“Our side is a very young side. We had about five under-17s who played reserves last year, and they are going to step up into seniors this year. 

“They were the first guys we signed up, straight out of the juniors and into our seniors. We had the option to buy players out of Horsham, but we wanted to stick with local people who can put into the club.”

Alex Hill is another player who will be making the permanent step into seniors football with Taylors Lake next season.

Hill spent most of his time last season in the reserves due to other commitments, and Smith said Hill would be a big boost for the side. 

“(Alex Hill) is pretty much a new recruit for us and is one of the best defenders in the league,” Smith said. 

Taylors Lake has also added youngsters Mitch Burke from Horsham Demons and Brandon Scott from Horsham Saints. 

“Last year Mitch Burke was in (the Horsham Demons’) reserves side and he wanted the opportunity to play senior football,” Smith said. 

“He will probably be going through the midfield for us.

“We also have Brandon Scott who is coming back to us from Horsham Saints. He is a good inclusion and a great club person.”

Smith said he was still in discussions with more players who could sign with the club before the season starts. 

“There are about six or seven players we are still in deep discussions with,” he said.

“I’m hoping to sign up another four or five.”

While Smith acknowledges the team will probably have another season of mixed results, he said as their youngsters developed, the team would only be more competitive. 

“There will be games we will lose, and probably by a big margin, but we have a lot to improve on and I think we will be a lot more competitive,” Smith said. 

“I think this year a lot of the guys felt defeated before we even played the game. The key for next season is everyone rocks up and has a fair crack. We want them to give 100 per cent and not give up. If the boys put the hard work in now, it will be a good year for us.”