COOLAMON co-coach Jake Barrett believes a couple of pre-Christmas training runs have been great value for the Hoppers.
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Coolamon were one of four Riverina League clubs to sit out the AFL Riverina Championship this year despite shaping up as one of the early premiership favourites.
Given they did not play this year, the Hoppers were keen to hit the paddock for a couple of light training runs before Christmas under the new coaching set up of Barrett and Mark Carroll.
Barrett has been happy with how things have gone.
"We've had a couple of training runs the last couple of weeks, more just a get together to get to know the new boys and Curl (Carroll)," Barrett said.
"It's been really good. It's been more about building relationships and getting to know one another but it's been good.
"We gets the balls flinging around and because we didn't play this year, it's been good to get the balls out and the boys have really enjoyed it."
Barrett was first appointed co-coach of Coolamon more than 12 months ago but is yet to lead the Hoppers out for a game.
He cannot wait for next season to come around.
"Even just a trial game, it will be good to get back out there," he said.
Coolamon are again well-placed for a serious tilt at a flag.
They have picked up former Turvey Park co-coach Jeremy Sykes, his Bulldogs teammates Jayden and Alex Carroll, as well as Temora premiership forward Matt Harpley.
That is on top of the recruitment of Marshal Macauley, Luke Gerhard and Paddy Bray for the 2020 season they never participated in.
Coolamon has lost two prime midfielders, however, in Luke Redfern (West Adelaide) and Nick Pleming (Inner West Magpies).
Barrett said the club has a number of talented young players looking to push for those positions.
The Hoppers will have a final light session on Friday night before a Christmas get together.
Coolamon has also welcomed Ryan Bartholomew back to the club as under 17.5 coach.
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