Season to kick off under new lights

“There’s been a culture change where the players have bought into what we’re trying to do and everyone wants to make a difference. It’s been pretty incredible.”

Kade East will continue to coach the league side, while Leon Khan will coach the reserves and Mark Lincoln the colts.

Matt Stevens is the women’s coach.

Blackford said the Eagles’ pre-season was one of the best for a long time. “They did lots of running, lots of match planning and they had two pre-season games - one was interclub and the other was against Piara Waters,” he said.

“The match against Piara Waters was pretty even as they had a good outfit.

"We didn't keep score in the interclub game but it was a pretty even match.”

Saturday’s colts game bounce down will be at 12.20pm followed by the reserves at 2.15pm, women at 4.10pm and league at 5.40pm.