RIVERINA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
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NEW Turvey Park captain-coach Chris Cerato could not be happier with the enthusiasm of his young Bulldogs squad just a month out from their first pre-season trial game.
The Bulldogs have been back training three nights a week post Christmas with more than 70 different players taking to Maher Oval for the pre-season campaign.
Cerato said while the squad was predominately made up of youth, he was quite impressed with the keenness of Turvey Park's playing group.
"It's going pretty good," Cerato said.
"We've had up to 72 turn up. They're not all going to play, but that's how many different faces we've had turn up since Christmas.
"We've averaged in the 30s three nights a week which is pretty pleasing."
Turvey Park did not enjoy a win last season but started its 2013 campaign strongly with Cerato's return to the club and his appointment as captain-coach.
Talented Lockhart key forward Tom Marlow has joined the club, as has former Turvey Park junior Dale Cameron from East Wagga-Kooringal.
Jamie Hampton has also joined the club from West Wyalong.
The Bulldogs also signed Mitch Sykes but he has changed his mind and decided to stay at Lockhart in a situation that is still to be sorted out.
Cerato said a couple more senior players would be nice before the season starts.
"We've got a lot of young blokes there," Cerato said.
"We'll probably have four or five bigger bodies and then the young guys, so there will be no expectations there which is good on everyone.
"We've got a couple more there that we haven't signed yet that hopefully we can get on board."
Cerato said the likes of Brendan Bryce, Matt Ness and John Buchanan were setting the standard on the training track, with the young trio now having the benefit of a couple of seasons at senior level now under their belt.
Cerato is yet to appoint an assistant coach and explained he may instead opt for a leadership group.
"I've left it open with a bit of luck someone lobs from out of town," Cerato said.
"If we don't get anyone then I think I'll organise a leadership group to have under me."
Dusty Brown and Steve Smith will lead reserve grade for another year while Mark Carroll has been appointed Turvey Park's under 17 coach.
Turvey Park will have its first trial against North Wagga on March 16 before a clash with Charles Sturt University on April 5.
Cerato also plans to stage an intra-club trial.