The first of four official practice matches will be followed by home matches at Frankston Park against Port Melbourne on March 20 and Coburg Tigers on March 27.

New coach and leading goal kicker Simon Goosey is confident: "I am very pleased about what the group has achieved this pre-season. There is a steely resolve and they really understand what they want to achieve this year."

Clint Proctor, Mark Baguley, Michael Hibberd and Paul Rogash return and will be relied upon while former Port Adelaide rookie Alex Lee from Red Hill is in prime fitness after missing the past two years with injury.

A number of youngsters from last year's successful reserves team - including locals Matthew Clark, Scott Sienkiewicz, Marc Westcott, Mitchell Bosward, Ben Crowe, Matt Davis and Ben Lean - will be stepping up to fill key roles. In recruiting, the Dolphins have gone for size and the list features 14 players 190cm or taller.

Some of the key recruits are:

# Russell Gabriel: 198cm ruckman - 'Russ' returns to Frankston Park from Doveton after being a key player in the Dolphins' 2008 finals campaign.

# Toby Thoolen: 195cm key forward/back - After two years at Collingwood, Thoolen is looking to get back up to the highest level. Should be a key target up forward.

# Khan Haretuku: 198cm key back/forward - Super mobile big man from St Kilda's list who can play all over the ground. Possesses great fitness and skill for his size.

# Matthew Cavedon: 185cm utility - A 27 year old who has played AFL Canberra and WAFL. His experience and toughness will greatly benefit his young teammates.

# Warrick Miller: 191cm utility - Athletic Rosebud product who is versatile enough to play anywhere from key position to the wing.

Finn the Dolphin