New Coolamon co-coach Jamie Maddox excited about what lies ahead for Hoppers

Coolamon were one of the few big movers in the Riverina League over the off-season, with former Brisbane Lions player Jake Barrett headlining a number of new recruits.

There will be five new faces for the Hoppers when they host arch-rivals Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in Sunday's local derby.

Barrett, Temora's Anthony Atkin, Jeremiah Maslin and Northern Territory pair, Lochlan Dhurrkay and Shannon Charlie, will all make their first appearances for Coolamon.

But while there has been much hype surrounding the club, buoyed by two pre-season trial wins, Maddox is keeping a lid on things heading into the Hoppers' opening game of the year.

"Hopefully, just improvement on last year," Maddox said was Coolamon's goal.

"Obviously we finished sixth, which was a bit disappointing so our aim is to improve on last year.

"We want to get a bit more consistent with what we're doing, we were up and down last year."

Not only have there been some high-profile recruits arrive at Kindra Park, the club also welcomed back a number of players from Farrer League club Northern Jets.

It has increased the depth at Coolamon and helped see huge numbers turn out for pre-season training.

"In terms of football, there is competition for spots, there has been good numbers at pre-season and the club itself is in a good spot," he said.

"The ground is looking awesome. It's a good place to be around at the moment, which is good."

While a lot of work was done on improving Coolamon's list over the off-season, just as much was done to Kindra Park.

The ground was extended 10 metres at the southern end, the surface was resown and a big undercover shed was constructed between the clubrooms and dressing sheds. A dam was also filled in to extend the car park.

Coolamon has had to wait longer than any club in the Riverina to get their season started and show off their list, and upgraded facilities.

Maddox said Sunday's clash against the Lions has been a long time coming.

"It's been difficult but we obviously knew from a fair way out so we figured our pre-season around it," he said.

"We started later than everyone else. We had our block of trial games and we've been working into the season now."

Coolamon defeated East Wagga-Kooringal and Tungamah in their two trial games. They have everyone, bar Tom Stubbs (thumb), available to take on the Lions.

Maddox watched the Lions easily account for Narrandera in round one and is not prepared to take them lightly.

"Ganmain will be tough, they are always tough. It doesn't matter where either team are on the ladder, top or bottom, it's always a good battle," he said.

"It's a game you always mark down on the draw, especially when you play them at home."

As for his first foray into coaching, Maddox, 33, is happy to be leading his home club alongside Connor Neyland.

"I really am enjoying it," he said.

"Connor and I have been working in quite well and compliment each other quite well.

"(Coaching) always lingered over me but with work and things, it never allowed me to do it. Now my work situation has changed and Connor put his hand up and said he needed a hand, it's worked out quite well."

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