Western Force coach John Mitchell insists his team will be a genuine contender in the upcoming Super 14 season despite the loss of star flyhalf Matt Giteau and several other high-profile backs.

Giteau's defection to the Brumbies, plus the departure of fellow stars Drew Mitchell, Scott Staniforth and Josh Valentine, have some critics questioning whether the Force have the talent and depth to compete for a finals berth in 2010.

But Mitchell - buoyed by the arrivals of former Springbok Andre Pretorius, scrumhalf Brett Sheehan, utility back Mark Bartholomeusz and forwards Matt Dunning, Tim Fairbrother and Nic Henderson among others - is confident he has players at his disposal to create a formidable side.

"People would like to compare and look at the past and look at what individuals offered, but this is a new team on a new journey," Mitchell said.

"It's really exciting from that aspect.

"It's important for us to appreciate the people who have played for the club and always we will appreciate them and reflect on what they've done but we've got to move on now and have moved on.

"They've moved on to different pastures, too.

"It's important to focus on what we do and how we come together and what we don't have or what we did have in the past."

Mitchell said the experienced Pretorius was more than a capable replacement for Giteau.

"He's got some really good strengths," Mitchell said.

"He's got a good kicking game and ... likes to attack the line.

"It will be refreshing for him in many ways to be able to express himself and be less limited.

"With that experience, it brings composure.

"Nine (Sheehan) and 10 (Pretorius) are going to be very experienced."

The Force have added 12 new faces to the squad over the off-season but are still on the lookout for a frontline hooker to replace Tai McIsaac, who headed to Japan after the end of last season.

Fit-again back Cameron Shepherd admitted it was strange to welcome so many new faces to the team.

"It was funny, in the gym there was a bit of awkward small talk between the guys that don't really know each other," Shepherd said.

"It kind of feels like a new team and that vibe's really fresh.

"It's exciting, it's a good buzz here."

The Force started pre-season training this week but Mitchell won't have Wallabies Pek Cowan, Matt Hodgson, Richard Brown, James O'Connor, Dunning, Ryan Cross and David Pocock at his disposal until January 4.

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