The 3-1 grand final loss to Quirindi was only Gunnedah's second for the season and has veteran FC player Michael Cooke determined to start the season on a winning note.

"I think the one big thing we learnt from that loss is that the season is a marathon and not a sprint," Cooke told the Namoi Valley Independent.

"We defeated Quirindi 4-0 early last season but weren't able to beat them in the final.

"I think that will stick with the guys a bit and while there are no hard feelings I think it will be a bit of a drive for us."

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FC has enjoyed a productive off season, recruiting several new players and finishing third in last weekend's Johnson Cup tournament.

"In terms of training we started back in January, which is the earliest we have ever started since I've been at the club," Cooke said.

"It's quite exciting to have so much depth this season because it means a lot of the players, even some of our older guys, will have to fight for our positions every week.

"I think it's real credit to our coach Andy Cygan and the club to be in this great position heading into the season."

As well as coming up short in the 2018 grand final, Gunnedah is also carrying the scars of a 2017 grand final loss to Souths United.

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However, Cooke believes the club's new found depth will help atone for the recent defeats.

"Our depth is our strength now," he said.

"We have got a really strong bench in both first and reserve grade and a really strong diversity of talented players.

"Our players range from their early 40's to teenagers, including a father-son combination. So while there is a blend of new and old players we won't dwell too much on the past and we'll look forward to the challenge of playing last season's champions."

Cooke said games at Quirindi were "never easy".

"There is a lot of anticipation and excitement coming into our last training run on Thursday night," he said.

"I think that's mostly about who will play in what side and how the teams will line up.

"Quirindi are a great bunch of guys and it should hopefully be another good game on Saturday."

As for himself, the England native said he was looking forward to implementing the team's new game plan.

"We have been learning a different style of playing during the off-season," Cooke said.

"Instead of kick and run we are looking for more of a possession-style game, where we will stay patient and make the opponent work for their possessions. As a more experienced player it will be on me to really help drive that new game style on match day.

"My head is well and truly still in the game and hopefully my body can catch up a bit as the weeks roll on."

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