Speaking at the BCA’s inaugural season launch at the North Ballarat Sports Club on Monday night, Florence said the standard in the top division would tighten yet again.

“The top four will be strong again, but I’m very conscious that the lower four have worked very hard in the off-season and look like they’ve picked up some good players from outside the competition,” Florence said.

“I’m more confident this year than in previous years that it will be a lot more even.”

Meanwhile, Mount Clear’s reigning premiership captain Nathan Yates has flagged Brown Hill and Wendouree as the biggest threats to a successful 2014-2015 campaign.

“Our pre-season’s been really strong,” Yates

said.

“Brown Hill are going to be thereabouts again – they’ve recruited well and Wendouree’s always there too.

“To me they’re probably the main two teams to keep an eye out for.”

Victorian state selector and former Victorian captain and Australian player Ray Bright was the guest speaker on the night.

• For part two of The Courier’s Ballarat Cricket Association 2014-15 season preview, which includes teams’ new recruits and draw, see page 28.