The Cats signalled their intent to return to the top of the mountain after announcing Brodie Collins, Ben McPhee, Jesse Collins, Trent Bacon (Eaglehawk) and James McPhee (Rochester) had returned to the club in October.
After a straight sets exit from last year’s finals series, co-coach Kahl Oliver knew the standards of his playing group had to lift once again.
“We were quite disappointed with how our season ended after finishing second on the ladder,” Oliver said.
“It was the club’s goal to try and improve and we’ve managed to do that which has put us in a good position.
“Having players come back to the club is crucial especially after the points system was introduced a few years ago.
“All of those guys have gone onto play a high level of footy and we expect them to hold the form they produced at their former clubs.”
After their recruiting spree, some have labelled LBU as premiership favourites alongside the dominant North Bendigo.
It is pressure Oliver wants his players to embrace.
“We haven’t spoken about it too much, but we know it’s going to come,” he said.
“As a group, we’ve got high standards, so I see the talk as just another layer for us to rise above.
“That pressure is only going to grow the deeper we get into the season, but it will depend on where we sit on the ladder.”
While there has been a big focus on the various homecomings at LBU, there has been several other new faces join the club.
Lachlan Atherton has also made the switch from Eaglehawk, with Anthony McMahon crossing from Echuca United after kicking 100 goals in the reserves last season.
“Lachie looks like he is going to a good player for us during the year,” Oliver said.
“It’s always handy when the players you do recruit can bring others with them.
“Our forward line was one of our biggest strengths last year and adding Anthony to our list only gives us more depth.
“We’re excited to see all our new guys out on the ground.”
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