Rava initially had to overcome some key departures from Robertson Oval early in the off-season but is happy with how his list is coming together with Tigers' pre-season fully underway.

Tigers have welcomed young Northern Riverina League representative defender Mitch Hawker from Barellan and hope to announce a further two signings next week.

The signing of Hawker comes with the good news that promising teenager Liam McGregor will return from Darwin to play again this season.

Tigers have also kept the services of young guns Jeremiah Maslin and Charlie Bance, while they remain in talks with Jim Carroll, Dougal Howard and Connor Byrne.

Rava is happy with the squad he has at the moment.

"I think we'll be thereabouts again," Rava said.

"It's been hard because we've had such a young team but I think last year was a good maturing year and I think a lot of those young guys will take another step up this season.

"That's where we're going to get our improvement from, the blokes that are already here."

Tigers are in talks with another midfielder and forward that they would love to get on board.

"I would like to top up our midfield and forwards if we can," Rava said.

"Obviously everyone is looking for a good centre-half-forward but we'll just see how we go."

While Tigers are after another forward and midfielder, they still possess plenty of talent.

Young ruckman Brad Graham will only continue to improve and will have the likes of Rava, Maslin and Shaun Flanigan at his feet in the midfield.

Recruit James Hodges, Xavier Brennan and young Jake Gunning will be the key targets up forward.

The backline is set to be a strength with the likes of John Anstee, Matt Noonan and McGregor to be joined by Hawker.

Rava implemented a later start to this pre-season to try and get the best out of his group and hopes it will pay dividends.

"The guys have had a decent break," Rava said.

"In previous years we've started in November but I extended the break this year to give them all a good freshen up and everyone has come back keen and there is a bit of excitement in the group."

The plans of Carroll and Howard is one of importance for Tigers.

Carroll and Howard hope to spend most of the season with Murray Bushrangers and are considering the idea of aligning themselves with an Ovens and Murray League club while they do so.

Tigers are keen to keep them at the club as the pair could make a big impact at senior level when not busy with representative commitments like Max King did last year.

Tigers have also welcomed Shaun Bourchier from Barellan, while Justin Rynehart is the club's new reserve grade coach.

Meantime, injury-plagued forward Jarrod Conway is the latest to leave Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong for this season.

Conway has linked with Canberra-based club Woden Blues.