In something of a surprise to those outside the Saints, Chellew played the first seven games in reserve grade, featuring in the best five times.

"Darc had an interrupted pre-season, spending a lot of time up north (with St Mary's in the Northern Territory Football League), so he didn't train a lot with the team over the off-season," Sharp said.

"But I have no doubt he's a better player than what he was last year and that's to do with the fact that he's improved multiple areas in his game."

That will delight Saints' fans as Chellew impressed in his 18 games last year, while still at school.

His composure was a feature and he was one of the club's most consistent players early in the season.

The wingman certainly hasn't attracted the attention of the other two massive inclusions.

Sharp is back after missing a week with a quad complaint, while former AFL player Kurt Aylett will play his first game for the club as he continues to recover from a calf injury with Essendon's VFL outfit.

Myrtleford suffered its first loss to Albury last week, falling three spots from first in the process.

"Every game for us is a big game," Sharp said.

"The way the competition's panning out at the moment, I actually think it will get really tight towards the back end of the year.

"We were thoroughly disappointed with the game against Albury, so a response is needed and all the signs on the track have pointed towards that."

Sharp will come up against former housemate Nick Meredith for the first time as a coach.

The pair lived and played together at Werribee in the VFL.

An energetic player at the best of times, Meredith will be 'champing at the bit' as he hasn't played for three weeks since being suspended for engaging in rough conduct against Yarrawonga's Mark Whiley on May 11.

Midfielder Nick Holman hasn't played since the same day, so the inclusion of the two Nicks will improve the Panthers, who have been solid rather than spectacular in the past month.

The team's most dynamic player Shaun Mannagh has been named as an emergency, while he's again been named on an extended bench for Richmond's VFL clash against North Melbourne on Saturday.

Mannagh has played the last two games at State level after 12 and eight respectively in the last two seasons.