Terry Lemon takes the reins as Murrumbateman Eagles aim higher in 2020

After a strong start under the guidance of club president Andy Ingold last year, Lemon's vast coaching experience with the Yass Roos will build on the platform which has been set.

"We want to continue on with what we achieved last year, we don't want to be just making up the numbers," Lemon said.

"If we can double our wins or triple our wins from last year, we'll take that as a successful season.

"We know we're not going to set the world on fire, but we're certainly aiming to be competitive."

Since last season, the Eagles have retained most of their players and picked up several new faces. This is a huge advantage for a burgeoning club, and one which Lemon hopes will have a positive impact on the season ahead.

"We retained all bar two players from last year, and then we've got a couple of newbies," he said.

"We've picked up a couple of blokes that haven't played before, but they're showing good signs at training.

"And then there's a couple of older heads who have come along, and while they might not be able to play every game, they'll certainly fit in when and where they can.

"That'll help us gel a young side."

Part of the reason the club has managed to maintain such strong numbers is the culture within the team.

They faced and overcame a number of challenges last season, including training under limited lighting, without changerooms, and suffered a number of injuries. But, Lemon said, the Eagles turned up to every match ready to give their all.

"The commitment the boys showed given that we don't have dressing sheds and facilities," Lemon said.

"I was pretty surprised and happy that they continued on and saw the season out. It became trying for a while, like having to train under RFS lights at the start of the season ... the boys just kept coming and trying."

The Eagles have consistently seen rough 20 players turn up to pre-season training, and Lemon said that the squad improves each and every week.

This bodes well ahead of a much more varied competition in 2020, as Murrumbateman will be incorporated into the AFL Canberra Fourth Grade competition.

"The regional comp didn't really suit us, playing the same team every couple of weeks becomes stagnant and stale," Lemon said.

"This gives us another opportunity, there's 11 teams now. We're looking at going to different venues and creating a bit more bond between our boys which makes things a little bit easier."

Ahead of the season opener on April 4, the Eagles will play a trial match on March 14 against Gungahlin in Gungahlin.

This will give the team an opportunity to test the fitness program assigned to them by Lemon.

"I set a program in December and the boys started doing that on their own, and we brought it into training in mid-January," Lemon said.

"Everybody's really keen, and they're keen to do well, which makes a side easy to coach.

"Training hasn't been easy, we've been absolutely working them, but they keep coming back."

The Eagles will play the Woden Blues in round one at Adero Law Nest on Saturday, April 4, from 12pm.