Spry, who has plenty of experience at his disposal, is looking forward to the challenge of leading the Eagles this season.

"I didn't expect that I would be doing that, but it is something that isn't new to me," he said.

"It looks like we will have a few younger guys coming through as we have sort of an older group.

"We have got a few blokes coming back so it should be a good mix of youth and experience so it will be good to have someone with a bit of experience leading the side."

At the end of last season, Spry felt his side were starting to hit their straps before COVID-19 saw the remainder of the season cancelled, and if they are able to be consistent the Eagles should find themselves in a good position.

"We finished in the finals last year, and I think we finished quite strongly in the last final that we played," he said.

"I think that during the year we could have been a bit more consistent. If we can do that everything will fall into place."

The Eagles will be looking to bounce back from a tough start to the season after a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of defending champions Coro Cougars when they take on Leagues Panthers.

Spry feels this weekend will be a tough clash and knows they will need to watch out for Daniel Bozic who started the season in flying form for the Panthers as they defeated Hanwood.

"He had a great game so he will be one to look out for," he said.

"They have a good mix of youth and experience I think there too. I think the whole competition is going to be pretty even I don't think there will be too many standouts, so you have to be on your game for every team."

Spry didn't feature in the Eagles first-round defeat but will be back on the park this weekend alongside two other handy inclusions.

"Craig Burge will be back on board, and Jamie Winkler will come back in so those two coming back in will strengthen the side," he said.

One of the shining lights from the Eagles first-round defeat was the performance of Connor Bock with the bat and Spry said this year might see him get more chances higher up the order.

"I was down there for a little while to watch him bat, and he batted very well," he said.

"He has always had the ability with the willow, but he probably hasn't really had the chance.

"He is fit and firing and ready to go so we will look to promote him up the order and let him go as long as it doesn't affect his bowling. We will still need him to take plenty of wickets for us."

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