SEASON 2015 was hardly a banner year for Myrtleford.
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They won the wooden spoon by percentage from the Wangaratta Rovers with just four wins, and were regularly outclassed by the likes of Albury, Lavington and Yarrawonga.
An encouraging 53-point win over Wangaratta in round 18 last year would have puts some smiles on the Saints faces though, and they can hardly be accused of sitting on their hands over the off season.
They got on the front foot early, re-signing co-coaches Leigh Corcoran and Brad Murray for a fourth season at the helm way back in July.
They will also benefit from an additional four points under the new points system, after the AFL North East Border commission took into account the Saints’ population base and recent performances, among other things.
The Saints have so far been a mixed bag in terms of recruiting, but by any stretch look as though they're in a prime position to improve on last season.
PERSONNEL
It's difficult to look past the absence of midfield warrior Kristan Height from the Saints list in 2016.
The 2014 Morris medallist headlines the departures, alongside Hamish Leahy, John Simpson and Brodie Ricardi.
Luke Chapman has also retired.
But there's plenty of good news in terms of new signings, with home-grown brothers Brady, Ryley and Jake Sharp all committing to the club.
Eldest brother Jake will travel up from Melbourne when he isn't required by VFL club Werribee, while his younger siblings shape as promising bookends after impressing for the Murray Bushrangers in 2015.
Another set of brothers, Hugh and Elijah Wales, are also set to return.
Similar to the Sharps, eldest sibling Hugh will play when not picked for Footscray, while Elijah will play full time.
Ruckman Matt Dussin has been able to make a full-time commitment to the club, while Riley O'Shea will return from injury as well.
Co-coach Corcoran said he was confident in how the list was shaping up.
“With the Sharp twins coming on board we're looking reasonably good in terms of height,” he said.
“Matt Dussin and Callum Crisp should have us pretty well covered through the ruck.”
While the recruiting so far had been successful, Corcoran said there was always room for some more depth.
“Another key forward would be handy,” he said.
“Some midfield support to help spread the load wouldn't go astray either.”
PRE-SEASON
The Saints have been split into two groups, with a Melbourne-based contingent being led by Christian Burgess.
Fitness has clearly been the focus.
“It's been more long-distance work initially, with some ball work and conditioning mixed in,” Corcoran said.
“We've also has some high intensity sessions.
“Our time trial times are ahead of where they were last season, which is encouraging.”
THE DRAW
The Saints started reasonably well last year, winning two of their first five matches.
They fell away after that, but Corcoran is confident they won't go down the same road this year.
“We're positive about the draw, we've got some blockbuster games at home, so we're really happy,” he said.
“Traditionally we've started the season slow, so hopefully we build on last year.”
EXPECTATIONS
Corcoran is realistic when assessing his side's prospects for next year, but says their potential to improve is very high.
“It's all about development and respect,” he said.
“We've got a young list that's improving and capable of challenging good sides.
“Even though we finished on the bottom last year, we feel that we still moved in the direction we wanted to go.
“I don't think it was a good indication of where we're really at.”
PROSPECTS
Make no mistake, the Saints will improve this season.
The only asterisk is a potential lack of depth through the midfield due to the absence of Kristan Height.
But the key position posts look as though they've been covered well, with a fully fit Riley O'Shea looming as a key figure in the backline.
The emergence of their young local talent will be central to Myrtleford's hopes of climbing the ladder.
Brady and Ryley Sharp did plenty of good thing for the Bushrangers last season, while Callum Crisp fought above his weight in 2015.
With some extra breathing room in the points budget, the possibility of more players coming on board before the season gets underway is also not out of the question.
If they can cover the loss of Height, building on their four wins from last season should be the bare minimum for the Saints.
They could be the surprise packet of 2016.
PREDICTION
Seventh.