The Border outfit will play eight pre-season friendlies in January and February, followed by its opening FFA Cup fixture on March 14, before commencing its league campaign at home to Box Hill United on March 21.

Murray then hits the road for two clashes at Epping Stadium against Melbourne Victory and Whittlesea Ranges and rounds out the opening month by hosting Geelong.

They also have a strong run home with six of the last 10 matches at La Trobe.

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"Normally we're set in stone by October or November, but because the season is starting so late, I've pushed things back because I don't want any burnout," Srbinovski said.

"We've still got 10 weeks of pre-season in the New Year and the FFA Cup before the first game of the season.

"It will be a good prequel to the season and we're looking forward to that.

"I'm pretty happy with having a home game to start the season off. It's always good to get the home crowd going first game.

"Box Hill has played against Murray almost every season, so there's a bit of a rivalry as well.

"I'm pretty happy in terms of grounds as well, we're at Epping Stadium for the next two games (against Melbourne Victory and Whittlesea Ranges) and that's a great pitch.

"As a coach and a player, you dream of playing on grounds like that.

"Our next away game (in round five) is at Morshead Park in Ballarat and that's another great venue."

Players have been training, but Srbinovski revealed the squad won't be finalised until late January or early February.

"Ideally, once we get through two or three friendlies we'll have a good idea of where the squad is," Srbinovski said.

"At the moment we've got pre-agreements with players and we'll sit down with them and finalise agreements early next year.

"We're trying to keep as many players as we can from this season, but there will be a bit of a turnover and we'll bring a few players in."

Murray resumes training on January 7, before hosting Oakleigh Cannons on January 18.

Altona Magic travels to the Border on January 25, with Corio Soccer Club making it a double-header on January 26.

Murray then heads to Shepparton to face regional rivals Goulburn Valley Suns on February 1.

Two Capital NPL clubs are next on the schedule with Woden-Weston (February 8) and Canberra FC (February 15) making the trip down from Canberra.

The pre-season program finishes with Keilor Park (February 22) and Altona City (February 29).

Srbinovski has offered to run training every night of the week starting January 20 and hopes to also squeeze in a pre-season camp.