NORTHERN Jets coach Jamie Grintell can’t wait to pit his new-and-improved outfit against the Farrer League heavyweights.

The Jets have been the big improver of the off-season, picking up five good recruits for the loss of only one player.

Canberra footballers Dane Keenes and Declan O’Rourke have followed fellow signing and club junior Len Haddrill over and all three will be big additions to the Jets’ midfield.

Aaron Hart has crossed from Lake Cargelligo and will also play onball while John Hoey has joined the club from Turvey Park and can swing between key positions.

Hoey will fill the gap left by tall Matt Etchells who has returned to Wagga Tigers.

Grintell is rapt with how his list is shaping up and is looking forward to seeing his new team in action.

“It’s already got off to a better start than last season,” Grintell said.

“We’ve got these blokes on board early and there is a lot of enthusiasm around the place.

“It’s all moving quite nicely.”

Grintell says he set out to target specific positions and is confident he has filled them.

“We probably lacked some onballers last year and we’ve picked up two or three good ones,” he said.

“Those three Canberra boys are pretty handy players and young Aaron Hart can play onball, too, so that allows some of the older blokes to rest in other positions.

“Hoey will play a key position ... Etch has gone back to Tigers and as far as I know he’s the only loss.

“Having these new blokes gives us options.”

Grintell spent time in the middle last season but plans to stay up forward this year.

The four new onballers will join the likes of exciting teenager Mitch Haddrill in the middle as well as experienced ruckman Andrew Bonnie.

Len Haddrill and Keenes travelled over to play a few games late last season and both have committed to the club for another year.

The Jets began training a fortnight ago and Grintell is happy with numbers, although some players are training in Canberra and some in Wagga until closer to the season.

He is yet to talk to the playing group about a goal for the season but will be eyeing finals after failing to make the cut last year.