mmg.com.au

The Tatong Magpies are hoping to turn around what could only be described as a dismal 2012 Ovens and Kings Football season.

Andrew James is back at the helm for his second year in 2013 and hopes his new recruits and a weakening injury plague will pay dividends for his side.

‘‘We just want to improve and be a little bit more competitive on a week-to-week basis,’’ James said.

‘‘Our injuries last season really killed us and we’re hoping we can kick that next year,’’ he added.

‘‘We also had a lot of player unavailability.’’

The Pies were back to pre-season training this week where they mixed and mingled with newcomers Jack Frampton who joined from the All Blacks, Beau Dickson and Dallas Lepoidovin.

It’s also hoped that Michael Donehue will sign on for the side as well, but that’s yet to be confirmed.

‘‘We are also speaking with five or six others players,’’ James said.

While the 2012 season was far from ideal for the side, James is hopeful of a top eight finish in his second year as coach — a role his father held for two years before him.

‘‘We want to be competitive week in week out — I think our biggest rivals are going to be Moyhu and Tarrawingee,’’ he said.

In an off-season boost for the club, they are in the process of receiving new club rooms at Tatong Reserve.

Pre-season training is under way and will be held each Monday and Wednesday night at the gardens with a barbecue for families from 7pm.

‘‘It’s a real family-friendly atmosphere.’’