Lalor has a burning desire to go one win better this year in division 2 of the Northern Football League.
The Bloods suffered heartbreak last season when they lost to Whittlesea by three points in a grand final thriller.
Bloods president Rodney Lowry said that result was spurring the players on for this year and they had spoken about a determination for redemption.
“We were so close but didn’t get the chocolates,” he said. “Despite wanting to get the premiership this year, we’re keeping a lid on things. Firstly, we just hope to be competitive and keep the momentum of last season.”
While looking for premiership glory, the Bloods know it won’t be a walk in the park.
“It’s a very interesting division, being only seven sides,” Lowry said.
“North Heidelberg and Fitzroy Stars are both exceptional sides and Thomastown has recruited well.
“It’ll be very competitive and we’ll give it our best shot.”
The Bloods were one of the quietest teams on the recruiting front in the off season, with just nine players coming in across the whole club.
Keeping last year’s list together was the first aim, and it has been achieved.
“All the players from last year stayed on and are really focused on going that step further,” Lowry said. “They’re a great bunch of blokes and there’s a driving desire in each of them.
“Peter Shepherd has returned to the club and is a gun full-forward who has kicked heaps of goals.
“Ruckman Blake Seeley has returned from overseas and we’ve added some midfielders , so there will be competition for spots.”
Timmy Peck, Kurt Henderson and Darragh and Niall McGovern are new faces at the club.
Shepherd’s return gives Lalor the dilemma of where to play Todd Hughes, who had spent most of his career as a backman before winning the division 2 goalkicking award last season.
“It’s a great problem for the coach to have,” Lowry said. “Every week could be something different with Todd; we can switch him from end to end.
“With more depth we have players who can play in more positions so other clubs will have to think about what we may be doing.”
The Bloods kick off their season against Thomastown at Lalor Reserve at 2pm on Saturday.
Elsewhere in division 2, Fitzroy Stars meet North Heidelberg and Panton Hill faces Diamond Creek.
