ALTONA Lacrosse Club’s top men’s side returns to State League One this weekend as it looks to cement a spot competing against the best sides in the state.

Coach Alan Lewer knows its going to be a tough season and wants his players to adapt as soon as possible.

“The first season itself is mainly to help Altona find its feet in the top level of men’s lacrosse again,” he said.

“Altona will be working hard in training and this will ultimately lead to on-field success.”

With a Division One and Division three side, Lewer is aiming to bridge the gap between the two squads in a bid to strengthen the club’s playing list.

“I am very interested in bringing the entire men’s senior list of State League, Division One and Division Three players closer together to improve the commitment and culture of the club as a whole.

“In doing so we will provide a better training and playing environment for the juniors as they enter into the senior ranks.”

The Vikings’ season kicks off against Williamstown at Fearon Reserve on Saturday 18 April.

Last year Altona’s lacrosse A Grade women’s side had an emphasis on youth.

The team which made it to the grand final had seven players under the age of 21 – this year with the younger players building on their experience things are looking up for the Vikings.

“With such a young team the club is moving into a very exciting era,” coach Mark Lewer said.

“I think the Altona side surprised themselves a little bit in how well they did last year and so this year they will be a lot more confident in their own ability.”

Lewer expected the Vikings major rivals this season to be the “more experienced” Newport and Williamstown along with an improving Footscray side.

The coach named a few players who he expected big things from this year including sisters Vicki and Kailey Ryan and youngsters Kaitlin Hughes and Shana Kukucka.

Last year at the age of 17, Vicki became the youngest winner of the A Grade competition’s Best and Fairest as well as the youngest A Grade captain.

She is also in the current Australian Women’s side ‘Team Koala’, which will compete in the Asia Pacific Lacrosse Tournament in Korea and the Prague Cup Tournament in the Czech Republic in June.