The Crows lost several premiership players in the off-season due to retirement or heading back to their home clubs. 

However, with pre-season starting in November, Hodge believes the squad has been built up and will remain a strong contender for the flag in 2018. 

“We’re definitely a new-look side compared to last year,” he said. 

“I think it’s going to take us maybe a couple of games to find our feet and get our structure and game plan right. 

“That’s not necessarily a bad thing because you don’t want to be peaking early on in the season.”

This weekend’s the Crows will take on Collingullie-Glenfield Park in a grand final re-match at Leeton Showground. 

Led by captain Bryce O’Garey, Hodge was confident Leeton-Whitton would put in a good showing. 

With warm temperatures expected, he said their fitness should be up-to-scratch. 

“We’ve had another big pre-season and the boys have put in a lot of work … I think everyone is ready now to get started,” the coach said. 

“’Gullie are a quality side and I expect them to be right up there again this year. I’m confident in our team. 

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“I’m confident in our young guys. There will be a few debutantes on Saturday.”

The club will be officially unveiling their premiership flag on Saturday afternoon before the match gets underway.