After a dismal season in 2009, the Magpies hit the track at Kenny Park this week looking to put the bad memories behind them and focus on rebuilding the battered side.

Although starting training a full five months before the new season is unorthodox, Magpies coach Leigh Riordan­ said the club couldn’t afford to just sit back and accept what had happened to them this year.

“Something’s got to be done, we’ve got to try a different attack,” Riordan said.

“If we can build on our fitness from last season and keep rolling on and pick up new players along the way we’ll be more competitive.

“With the young side I’ve got we’ll have a fair few weight sessions to help bulk up as well as a lot more time trial running and skills work.

“The size of kids I’ve got are too small for senior football so we’ve got to build them up.”

The Magpies struggled on and off the field this year, with financial problems and a shortage of players crippling the proud club.

A new committee took over at the start of the year and looks to have the off-field situation in hand after the community rallied around the club.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Friday’s Sunraysia Daily 06/11/2009.