Simmond's group was one of last summer's standouts, dominating en route to the a first-place finish and topping the association for runs scored.

But, of the Red Caps' 3806 runs, nearly half came from two contributors - Sam Miller (1016) and Cole Roscholler (775).

"Over the last few years it's no secret that we've relied pretty heavily on our batting, so we've had to look to improve our bowling and that's something we've taken a focus on this off-season," Simmonds said.

"From a batting point of view (this season) it's going to be about figuring out what works best and making sure that blokes batting down the order are still getting opportunities.

"As we probably saw last season we lost wickets in the semi final and it fell on to the blokes down the order who hadn't batted that much."

Simmonds said the Red Caps would use the semi final loss as motivation, but noted it was important to start afresh.

"I think we can take a lot of positives away from last season but it is a very different group this season," he said.

"There are a few things we're continuing to work on.

"Obviously, we were disappointed with what happened at the end of last year. But, we were just beaten by a side that was better than us on day.

"Hopefully, we can win some games of cricket throughout the year and give ourselves a chance to play finals again. That's probably the main goal and we'll see what happens from there."

Wendouree has held on to its firepower for the new season, including reigning E.J Cleary Medallist Sam Miller and his opening partner Cole Roscholler.

Last season's leading wicket-taker Tom Le Lievre has crossed to Mt Clear, denting the Red Caps' bowling attack.

The off-spinner had an impressive economy rate of 3.54 and claimed 26 scalps at an average of 16.

The loss is off-set by the arrival of former Vic Country opening bowler Tom Batters and returning left-arm quick Austen Prendergast.

A host of other off-season pick-ups are also set to bolster Wendouree's bowling stocks.

Simmons said the Red Caps had been drilling in on a common goal during pre-season.

"The main message has just been about positivity and really trying to train with a purpose," he said.

"With everything we do there's a clear goal of what we're trying to achieve and what we're trying to get better at."

Wendouree's 2020-21 season

1st (13 wins, 3 losses - lost semi final to Darley)

3806 runs scored (1st)

22 half-centuries (1st), 6 centuries (1st)

3477 runs conceded (10th)

139 wickets (5th)

24.98 average runs per wicket (4th)

4.124 average economy rate (3rd)

99 maidens (6th)