As they look to add to their lone Group Nine title won 25 years ago, the Brethren have been buoyed by the arrival of Hayden Philp.

The Temora product finished in the top three of the Weissel Medal count in both 2017 and 2018 before taking out Group 20's player of the year award last season.

With Group 20 not going ahead this year, Brothers swooped on the talented lock.

Breust is thrilled to have him on board.

"It's very exciting to have him over," Breust said.

"He was at training (Thursday night), met all the gang and fitted in quite nicely.

"He's going to help the boys tremendously as he's an 80-minute player in the middle and is going to be great for our go forward."

But it's not just the arrival of the talented lock but has Breust excited for the season ahead.

They've also picked by speedster James Morgan from Kangaroos while Maleke Morris and Rhys Weldon have moved over from Southcity.

It follows on from Chris Maher making the move from Cootamundra.

They've only lost Peter Little and Ben Schreiber from the side who came into last year's finals series with red hot form before falling at the first hurdle.

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Breust knows there will be plenty of competition for spots in the side this year.

"With the squad we've got this year we are going to be very competitive," he said.

"At the moment we've got 25-27 blokes who could all play first grade so while it's a good headache it is going to be very tough to make selections this year.

"There are a lot of spots up for grabs so it will all come down to who trains the best in the next three weeks."

Brothers kick off the season with a clash against Kangaroos.

Breust believes it is a great way to finally get back out on the field.

"We're excited," he said.

"We trained alongside them before Christmas and it will be such a big day for the club to have them first up."

Brothers big man Suliano Faukafa is another who could be thrown into the mix.

After signing with the club in the pre-season Faukafa went home to New Zealand but is keen to come back out and play.

"He's coming back, which is really exciting," Breust said.

"He went back home to be with his family with all the COVID stuff but now we've got the green light to play he rang straight away."

Brothers and Kangaroos clash at Equex Centre on July 18.

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