Training starts at 5.30am on Monday at Weeraman Oval.

Newly appointed coach Steven “Bullet” Mullane looks forward to putting the side through its paces and build on the much improved 2011 season the side had under Bryce O’Connor.

Mullane is a hero of the Cats, having played more than 100 games including the 2005 premiership.

He was a tough and skilful player, capable of both high quality defence and kicking goals and the club looks forward to him instilling these values in the Cats players.

The Cats players will need to work hard to carry out the new gameplan built around strong defence and locking the ball in the forward half, so attendance at training will be of utmost importance.

Mullane intends to ease into the preseason so players should come prepared to work hard on skills and understanding the new game plan rather than lots of running.

The 15-game season starts on April 14.

After last year’s improvement, the side has every chance of playing finals for the first time since 2007 and this should provide players and supporters with motivation needed to get involved early.

In other news, the club is excited to announce that the 2011 premiers, the Tamworth Kangaroos, have agreed to be the club’s opponents on May 19, when Jason Akermanis will play for the Cats.

The Cats haven’t knocked over the Roos for a while and this game now represents a great chance to get one back on one of the league’s premier sides.