Steve Johnstone, Anthony Hamer and Cameron Donnelly form the three-man coaching panel, and are sharing the responsibilities by focusing on different facets of the game – Johnstone skills, Hamer attack and Donnelly defence.

All but three of the squad are Cowra High School students, Hamer said, meaning most of this year’s crop have the luxury of training and playing together for their club side and also their school.

“It’s a good chance to get a good relationship happening with the club and the school and if some of the guys are going to stick around town it gives them a chance to get to know some of the senior players as well,” Hamer said.

Initially Johnstone put his hand up, then he approached his colleagues who gladly came aboard.

The squad had a decent break during the school holidays but are ramping up preparations for this year’s Group 10 season.

Almost 20 faces took to a damp River Park on Tuesday evening, a number that is impressing the coaches.

“The guys are really keen, they’re pretty motivated and are looking forward to a trial on March 12 against Young,” Hamer said.

“It’s been pretty informal and fitness based until now but it’s time to switch on.”

Hamer identified Kurt Johnstone and Jesse Murray as two of the side’s leaders for 2017 and he’s excited about a number of emerging players.

Jacob Pollard has featured in many representative sides and Toby Apps and Jackson Vallely are two players who have made notable development in recent years.

“We haven’t really sat down and spoken about it,” Hamer said about this season’s goals.

“We got a really good spread of guys. If we can keep our numbers up and keep blokes healthy we can be pretty competitive.”

Johnstone added he’s hoping to secure a finals spot come the end of August.

Meanwhile the first grade side is in deep preparation for next Saturday’s trial against the Young Cherrypickers.

It’s understood that three games will unfold throughout the day at Sid Kallas Oval.

Under 18s and League tag will play their respective counterparts from Young while the club’s first grade and reserve grade players will be pitted together for the third match.

The club encourages the community to come down and check out the Magpies in their first hit out for 2017.

Gates will be open with free entry all day.

More next week ahead of the trials.