The Bulls, which beat Napoleons-Sebastopol to win last season’s club firsts premiership, have confirmed past EJ Cleary Medal winner Matt McMahon has not committed to the upcoming campaign, while former Australian quick Shane Harwood is expected to have a limited involvement with the ball, according to captain Ryan Knowles.

McMahon took 44 wickets last season, with Harwood snaring a total of 37.

“This week, (Shane) will probably play just as a bat and we will just take it week by week and see how he goes with his shoulder,” Knowles said.

“He doesn’t want to do too much too early and be no good towards the end of the year."

Knowles, who replaced Harwood as captain late last season before the team went on to clinch the flag, said it would be tougher to claim the title in 2015-16.

“We have to change the game plan a little bit so we focus on bowling, tying teams down and restricting runs and hopefully make the runs with the bat,” he said.

Tom Bourke-Finn and Kyle Hayes are likely to take the new ball in the season-opener against Darley this weekend.

Knowles also confirmed opening batsman Jack James had left the club, but was hopeful he would be covered by recruit Tom Higgins, who is set to bat at the top of the order.

Another key recruit for the Bulls is Stuart Calder, from Meredith, who is expected to be a top order batsman and wicket-keeper. All-rounder Fraser Hunt is one youngster Knowles hopes can develop into a senior player.

In other round one encounters starting Saturday, last season’s grand finalists Napoleons-Sebastopol will kick off its campaign with a home clash against Ballarat-Redan, North Ballarat - under new captain-coach Adam Eddy - hosts Golden Point, Wendouree and Coronet City lock horns, while Mt Clear meets East Ballarat.