After winning just one game in 2008-09, the club has gone through it most rigorous pre-season ever.

If practice form is anything to go by, the Bloods are going to make the competition sit up and take notice, says president Mick Taylor.

"We don't want to make any bold or rash predictions, but the intensity at training has really lifted in comparison to last season, so we're pretty confident at this stage."

Victorian star Damien Wright, who brought an aura of confidence and professionalism to an inexperienced Bloods squad, has agreed to stay on at Casey Fields, and has been installed as captain for the coming season.

In the middle of a heavy Bushrangers campaign, Wright made a mad dash to Shepley Oval in the final round of last season to watch the Bloods bring up their only victory for the season, which showed his level of commitment to the cause.

Taylor is confident Wright can guide his charges to higher levels of success this season. Damien has been great for us since his arrival. He is such an easy guy to get along with, and the playing group love having him around."

Taylor said the club would continue with its youth policy as part of a rebuilding process.

Talented spinner Clive Rose, who stepped in to the breach and opened the batting for most of last season, will again be at the top of the order this season.

His ability to open the batting when many of his spin bowling rivals bat in the lower order may just provide him with the edge required for higher honours.

Taylor said the pre-season signing of Victorian wicketkeeper/batsman Matthew Wade had boosted players' spirits and confidence in moving off the bottom of ladder and finishing much higher in 2009-10.