When new coach Tony McGahan arrived at the Melbourne Rebels the first thing he did was put a broom through the Super Rugby club in all senses.
While a swag of players followed troublesome twosome James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale out the door, McGahan tasked his squad with redecorating their training headquarters.
It represented a fresh start and new high standards at the club.
The former Wallabies assistant, who won a championship coaching Irish club Munster, then set about putting the players through a pre-season many described as the toughest of their careers.
There's no question the 2014 Rebels are better prepared than ever but with the departure of backline stars O'Connor and Beale and also Wallaby halfback Nick Phipps, there's still a question of whether they will actually be better.
Because McGahan wasn't at the club during their time, he's reluctant to dwell on their contribution and instead focused on getting the best out of the players he has.
"We've really been concentrating on our fundamentals and about the way we conduct ourselves and the way we train," McGahan said.
"Now we're slowly adding our pieces to our game."
Those pieces including a heavy focus on defence, long the Rebels' weakness.
Their other target has been building a winning culture.
Last year Melbourne lost five games by seven points or less. If they can turn such close defeats into victories it will make a huge difference on their 12th place finish.
Former Test No.9 Luke Burgess replaced Phipps while other notable newcomers include props Toby Smith and Max Lahiff, former All Black centre Tamati Ellison and ex-Waratahs Tom Kingston and Lopeti Timani.
A lot will depend on the development of 21-year-old Bryce Hegarty, charged with the play-making duties in the absence of Beale and O'Connor. His combination with the experienced Burgess will be key.
Jason Woodward was one of the finds of 2013 and McGahan said he was relying on the Kiwi fullback to again shine.
"We're really eager to see Jason perform again. He certainly played some good rugby last year in his first season and he probably caught a lot of people unaware of his ability.
"This year he's really keen to take that forward and he's got a bit of scrutiny on him and expectation at the same time."
McGahan said he couldn't have asked for more from the group since his arrival and he hopes they reap the rewards come their opening match against the Cheetahs on February 28.
"I'm really impressed with their spirit and their intent to do well and be successful," he said.
"They're really strong characteristics that we're going to carry forward and they're going to be what's required if we're going to be successful this year."
