After going from premiers to just avoiding the wooden spoon, Mussara believes there is a more positive feel around the border club.

“We are looking at a better showing from last year and improving the base skills of the squad,” Mussara said.

“We are trying to get the second graders up to a better level as a lot of them had to step up due to injury and weren’t quite up to scratch.”

Massive player losses were a major cause behind the slip and then injuries took their toll.

This time, leading the charge is Richard Manion.

Manion virtually missed the entire season after breaking his nose which required surgery before breaking it again.

The Steamers start the season taking on CSU at Beres Ellwood Oval.

The Reddies were able to claim a draw in the same fixture last season, their best result of the year.