With away practice matches already set up, the management is planning ahead for the inevitable hours of travel that come with playing in the All Age Men competition.

Brodern Adam-Smith has taken over the role of senior coach for the all-ages side for the upcoming season, and said he’s excited about what they can accomplish.

“It’s been really good preparation so far,” he admitted.

“We’ve had quite a few new guys come out, so that should give us some extra enthusiasm and pace.

“We lost a lot of experience at the start of last season and had a bit of a rebuild.

“But, we’re a year on now and I think we’re starting to gel a lot more, which should bring results.

“I’d say we’re well ahead right now of where we were this time last year.

“So, that’s a really promising sign, especially for our fitness levels.”

As far as the long away trips go, he said it’s just part and parcel of the competition and emphasised that it can be an advantage, too.

“It can help with the togetherness of the team sometimes and then obviously we’re always looking to give opposition a tough time when they come here,” Adam-Smith explained.

Muswellbrook FC will hit the road for trial matches next month.

First up is Morisset on March 9, followed by a showdown with Gunnedah on March 16.

The competition proper kicks off in April.

With extra numbers and a new found sense of eagerness at the club, the Eagles are hoping to make “The Nest” a fortress in 2019 and score some serious goals for sport in Muswellbrook.