The men in purple will be led by the league's youngest coach in 22-year-old Sam Brosolo, with Shane Ellwood returning after lining up in the Northern NSW NPL with Newcastle outfit Hamilton Olympic in 2018, while centre back Chris Ryan is back from overseas.

Murray United youth player Seb Dalitz has also joined the club having previously played for Albury United in the AWFA.

Dalitz, 19, was drawn to Melrose having formed friendships with a number of players at the club.

"I've known a lot of the guys from a few years ago and I was in contact with (Sam) Brosolo and 'Sheepy' (Adam Waters) during the season," Dalitz said.

"Once pre-season started to roll around, they asked me to come down for a run and here I am.

ALSO IN SPORT:

"I was on the fence a bit at Murray, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do and I thought about it a bit.

"I was on and off going down to a few sessions at Murray, but once the numbers started dwindling I picked up pretty quickly on it and committed to playing here.

"No-one bickers among each other and everyone gets along really well. It's a nice club to be at."

Dalitz has mostly lined up in the midfield this pre-season, but has proven to be quite a versatile player.

"I played a lot of centre back at Murray, but 'Bros' has kind of let me add a bit of flair to the midfield," Dalitz said.

"It could change throughout the year depending on numbers."

Dalitz is among a host of young players from the region who have been left with no clear pathway this season following the loss of Murray United's senior program.

"It's difficult to say at the moment. If Murray were to re-emerge in the next few years, I'd think about going back," he said.

"I did head down to GV (Goulburn Valley Suns) for one session, but I couldn't commit due to work and all the travelling."

He's been particularly impressed with Brosolo and the way he stepped into the senior coaching role.

"His commitment has been great. He's down here an hour-and-a-half before every training session setting everything up and talking to all the younger kids," Daltiz said.

"He's got some really good ideas and good drills.

"I think he's really grown into the role already.

"To be 22 and have guys my age constantly listening and respecting you all the time is a big thing."

Melrose made the cup semi-finals in 2017 and 2018 and bowed out in the opening week of finals to Wangaratta last year.

"Teams like Wangaratta, there's so much pressure on them to perform this year," Dalitz added.

"If we go out and think we can win any game, as long as you have a good attitude, anything is possible I think."