Whittlesea is looking to bridge the gap in the Northern Football League division 1 competition.
After just avoiding relegation for a second straight season, the Eagles are focused on trying to move up the ladder.
Eagles’ coach Jim Atkins said they had focused on getting in players that would help add extra depth to the side.
“We beat the premiers twice this year and lost to the wooden spooners twice,” he said.
“It was such an even competition. We got a bit stretched with injuries at times and it stretched our depth.
“It’s about bridging the gap.”
Chris McCabe headlines the signings.
Atkins said he expected McCabe, who has played with the Northern Blues in the VFL the last three years, to add a bit of class to the midfield.
Northern Knights leading possession getter Mitch Andrews will provide a bit of spark, while Vincent Nativo, Marc Daniele and Jacob Batman all join the club having played senior football and been part of Northern Knights squads.
Bailey Robinson, Beau Walsh and Ashley Foxwell have also lodged clearances to join the Eagles.
Premiership ruckman Jeremy Page has also returned to the nest, after playing the last two years at Craigieburn.
Atkins said Page always wanted to return to the club where he had played so much football.
“He’s a couple of games away from life membership,” he said. “He deserves to get to that milestone.
“At this stage it looks like he might only being playing twos, but we would be rapt if he was to commit himself to playing seniors.”
Former AFL player Justin Sherman is the only big out for the Eagles, Sherman, who has retired, will coach Laurimar next year.
Atkins said they had a simple aim for next year.
“We want to win more games than list year and knock on the door for fifth,” he said.
“Two or three more wins should put us in that position.”
