The Saints begin their season with a home match against Baranduda in a game that pits the young up-and-comers against the pre-season premiership favourites.

Baranduda, runner-up last season, has further strengthened its side in the pre-season with quality recruits in Josh Stewart (Albury Titans), Peter Collins (East Albury), James McNamara (Barnawartha-Chiltern), James Brombal (Queensland) and Joel Parsons (Sydney).

Bethanga, having finished sixth last year, welcomes Ryan Gilbert (year off), Sam Packer (year off) and Chris Rogers (Howlong) into the team.

However, its captain believes it is who the Saints have retained that will make them a formidable force in 2008-09.

“A lot of us started playing together as under-14s and have moved up the ranks to A grade,” Packer said.

“It’s been good to do that together and ... the team mentality is better this year.

“It’s not so much that it was bad last season, but we’ve all bonded really well and really want to do well as a team.”

With just three players older than 25, Bethanga boasts one of the youngest lists in the competition.

But experienced campaigner Phil O’Neill has returned home earlier than expected and joined the team two days ago.

“We were only really sure that Phil was back on Thursday morning,” Packer said.

“I think he finished third in the batting averages last year so he’s a good inclusion for us.”

Although confident his team can be a finals force, Packer conceded today will be a litmus test.

“They (Baranduda) have done some good recruiting and look like being one of the top teams again so it’s a good opportunity for us to see where we’re at and where we have to improve,” he said.

“But if we can get it right on the day I think we can give them a shake.”

In other games, New City will open its season with a Urana Road clash against Mt Beauty, who join the District competition after a disappointing Provincial season.

Dederang hosts Howlong and Barnawartha-Chiltern travel to Kiewa.