Round one has not been kind to the Bulldogs in recent years but Hasleby said months of hard work and preparation had gone into reversing that trend.
‘The first game is the most important one given our history of not getting our season off to a good start, so to win against Subiaco would be good. We’re confident at the moment,’ he said.
South Fremantle finished 2013 seventh on the ladder after six wins from 20 games, but Hasleby says the young team has the desire and firepower to do better this year.
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READ NOWPlayers he expected to shine include Shaun Bewick, Marlon Pickett and new recruit, former AFL player James Sellar.
‘Bewick didn’t play last year and is primed for a big season and Pickett only played a handful of games but is another who could have a big season. Sellar is one of our big recruits and will play a big role.’
South Fremantle chief executive Stuart Kemp said the club couldn’t wait for the season to start.
‘We have worked very hard over the summer to be as professional as we can to make 2014 a very successful one,’ he said.
‘Our biggest games are against old rivals East Fremantle and the WA Day Derby will be a spectacle as we are expecting big crowds. We are also looking forward to playing AFL aligned teams East Perth and Peel as I’m sure they’ll be the benchmark.’
Kemp said the club had a 30 per cent growth in membership in the off season.
‘There is a great vibe about the club, membership figures show that. We hope people help the club to sustained success by joining up and getting to the games.’