"I won't be playing, I nicked my hamstring, but it's not too much," he said.

"It won't be anything serious, it's not worth it (playing) in a practice match.

"I would probably have played only two quarters anyway, I'll just be getting used to having a geez (look) at the boys and how it runs on the bench, getting the way I want it to operate."

Sharp's younger sibling Ryley will also miss the match, while the Saints will also be without a handful of cricketers, including Wangaratta recruit Jarryd Wallace.

Classy youngster Darcy Chellew is also in Darwin.

But the club will unveil a number of recruits, including Jake Richards and Blake Parker, while Nathan Laracy will start his full-time stint after leaving Werribee.

Laracy spent nine years at VFL level.

"We're still a little way off our best team, we'd still be missing at least four or five," Sharp said.

"We play (Geelong Football League's) St Mary's a fortnight after that, so we'll be pretty close to our best."

Myrtleford finished eighth last season with only four wins, but the return of Sharp has added a buzz to the club.

Opponents Lavington is coming off the elimination final.

The Panthers will be pinning their hopes on a host of district players to lift them back into the top three, where the club was stationed prior to the resurgence of Wangaratta.

Rugged Brock-Burrum recruit Aidan Johnson is the standout newcomer.

Johnson will play at centre half-back with his 'crash and bash' style certain to worry rivals.

The pair will meet at Whorouly Recreation Reserve from 2pm.

North Albury and Wodonga Raiders will feature in the only other match involving O and M teams.

The Hoppers are the popular tip for the wooden spoon, while Raiders are expected to fall, at the very least out of the top three, after losing a host of stars, including captain Jydon Neagle.

Elsewhere, Albury will play an intraclub at Wodonga Senior Secondary College from 10am.

The Tigers will then play two practice games, away to Tatura and home to Bundoora, as they start the Peter German era and look to defend their title.

Corowa-Rutherglen will host Mulwala.

The match starts at 1pm.

Wodonga will tackle Thurgoona on Friday night, at Wodonga Senior Secondary College from 6pm, while Yarrawonga hosts its annual game against Therry Penola.