NEW Albury captain-coach Ben Jeffery believes the Thunder are within grasp of several "senior" recruits to plug significant holes in the champion Group Nine team.
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Jeffery yesterday confirmed Albury was in the market for a "couple" of major player acquisitions in the pipeline, but the deals were yet to be finalised.
"We're waiting on things like jobs and accommodation," Jeffery said.
"We're definitely in the market for a couple of senior players.
"We're pretty hopeful."
For Albury, Jeffery's comments reflect the changing player landscape on the border.
A month after completing a fabulous hat-trick of Group Nine, Albury is virtually in rebuilding mode following the loss of four long-time stars.
In a remarkable transition, the Thunder have lost skipper Lou Goodwin, prized prop Mitch Davis, playmaker Willie Heta and barnstorming forward Jake Grace.
Goodwin has shifted to Sydney to play for the Mounties in the NSW Cup, while Davis, Heta and Grace are also moving on.
The loss of Davis and Goodwin was expected, but a cloud has been hanging over Heta and Grace since the Thunder's grand final victory.
The Daily Advertiser understands Grace and Heta are still living in Albury, but are being chased by a lengthy list of Group Nine clubs.
For Jeffery, the prospect of losing Heta and Grace has not sidetracked his football focus.
Jeffery revealed outlined the Thunder's pre-season schedule, which will include a return to training on November 18 and a date with the West Wyalong Knockout in February.
"We'll have a few weeks of general fitness before taking a break for Christmas," he said.
"We'll get back into in January."
Stepping out of the shadow Josh Cale's five-year reign as coach, Jeffery is continuing the professional approach of his predecessor.
Along those lines, Jeffery yesterday announced he would be cutting back on his representative commitments next year.
"I'll play for Group Nine against Group 20 but that will be it," he said.
Jeffery says imminent fatherhood - his partner is due to give birth in the new year - would keep him "busy".
With Jeffery out of the contention for the Riverina team for the Country Championship, the door is open for Southcity fullback Scott Bowden to make a play for the spot, while Group 20 ace Jaden Kelly will also be a contender.
