Osborne's the team to beat, but don't write off Holbrook or Brock-Burrum

Last year: 1st (14-3-1 home and away)

Gains: Joel Mackie (Albury), Ben Coombs (CSU), Jed Griffin (Rutherglen), Guy Ward (North Wagga), Steve Marsden (MCUE)

Losses: Sam Rutland (Bairnsdale), Mitch Wickham (Sydney), Bill Alexander (Melbourne), Brad Boots (retired)

Prospects: The defending champion look to have the chasing pack well and truly covered. Mackie and Griffin shape as massive midfield-forward inclusions and could be the recruits of the off-season. Azzi medallist Jamie Parr is back training following a knee reconstruction and will play in the second-half of the season while Michael Driscoll, Sam Stening, the Galvins and McDonnells are only going to get better. Stening could miss games due to Giants academy commitments. Expect to see plenty of under-17 premiership players Eddie O'Connell and Hugh Schmetzer.

Coaches comments: "The foundations are there and hopefully we can build on last season," coach Joel Mackie said.

Prediction: 1st

Coach: Kade Stevens

Last year: 2nd (14-4)

Gains: Chris Oats (Rutherglen), Brodie Parr (Albury), Daniel Heagney (St Arnaud), Todd Miller (Rand-Walbundrie-Walla), Jonty Tobias

Losses: Nico Sedgwick (Lavington), Willson Mack (Wangaratta)

Prospects: Although the Saints have lost arguably the league's most damaging player in Nico Sedgwick, Kade Stevens still has plenty of talent at his disposal. Fell down badly in key forward posts last season and the club will be hoping former Rand-Walbundrie-Walla assistant-coach Todd Miller can fill the void. Any side with a midfield of Darcy I'Anson, Ron Boulton, Stevens, Luke Schilg and John-Roy Williams is going to do some damage. Williams' recovery from a quad injury will be crucial while Stevens has plenty of time to recover from a broken hand with the coronavirus pushing back the season to at least June. Face the ultimate test against Osborne in round one.

Coaches comments: "Our list has held together well," coach Kade Stevens said.

Prediction: 3rd

Coach: Craig Bosley

Last year: 3rd (14-4)

Gains: Nick Wright (CSU Bushpigs), Ben McCarthy (Border-Walwa), Hayden Hamilton (Wodonga Saints), James Oeser, Jackson Frohling and Brandon Thomas (Lavington), Jack Chesser and Xavier Cannizzara (Wodonga Raiders), James Scott (Collingullie), Ben Schulz

Losses: Jye Shields, Tim Hallinan, Tim Haines, Joel Merkel (Wodonga Raiders), Jamie Robbins and Adam Eady (retired), Max Grintell (North Albury), Chas Retallick (Wodonga Raiders), Zac Simmonds (injured)

Prospects: The Lions have appointed a new captain to lead a new-look combination. Ben Gould has been rewarded for his strong service by being appointed skipper while Pat Wall and James Oeser will be his deputies. It's no secret Culcairn has lost some firepower but Nick Wright, Ben McCarthy and Brandon Thomas have talent and should ensure the club stays competitive. Zac Mona, Thomas and Jack Chesser have been among the off-season track stars. Set to be among a host of sides fighting for a spot in the bottom end of the top six.

Coaches comments: "We think we will shape up OK," Craig Bosley said. "We've lost some experience but there are a lot of kids pushing through."

Prediction: 7th

Coach: Matt Sharp

Last year: 4th (10-7-1)

Gains: John Mitchell (Albury), Luke Gestier (Collingullie), Logan Hamilton (Lavington), Kieran McCarthy (Wodonga), Hayden Smith (Jerilderie), Alec Sullivan (overseas), Ben Griffiths (returning to football), Ben Ryan (Barooga), Gus Keogh (year off)

Losses: Sam Harris (Benalla), Josh Jones (Tamworth), Ben Talarico (Wangaratta Rovers), Aaron Baker (Tallangatta), Isaac Lampe (Lavington)

Prospects: Looming as the biggest challenger to Osborne for the flag. The Brookers have upside with such a young list and boast a four-pronged attack in Luke Gestier, Logan Hamilton, Andrew Dear and Andrew Dess. While John Mitchell is a traditionally late starter due to horse commitments in the Upper Murray, he will be a genuine match-winner if the Brookers can get him to string matches together. Experienced duo Sam Harris and Josh Jones are notable losses but don't rule out a late clearance application for Jones if they get on a roll. Can the Brookers win their first flag since Marc Duryea's side saluted in 2004?

Coaches comments: "We're getting good numbers at training and there is a buzz around the place," coach Matt Sharp said. "Cricket hasn't been as big a factor this year. We've lost a bit of experience but picked up some height."

Prediction: 2nd

Coach: Lucas Mellier

Last year: 5th (11-7)

Gains: Aydan Brown, Mark Haydon, Jake Bruce, Charlie Williams (clearance pending), Lucas Mellier (Thurgoona), Nick Shelley (Heidelberg), Jake Thomas (North Albury), Matt Robertson (Lavington)

Losses: Ryan Lavery (Mazenod), Justin Gordon (retired), Jack Takle (Lavington)

Prospects: Have topped up their list with key position players in a bid to catch the competition's leading sides with Brown, Haydon and Bruce playing in Thurgoona's premiership side last season. New coach Lucas Mellier has formed a strong midfield and will be hoping promising youngsters Jake Thomas and Nathan Wardius can make the transition from junior to senior football. Former coach Myles Aalbers remains undecided about his playing future.

Coaches comments: "I've been really impressed with the boys' attitude at training and hopefully that carries into the season," coach Lucas Mellier said.

Prediction: 4th

Coach: Jason Kerr

Last year: 6th (10-8)

Gains: Darcy Spinks (Rutherglen), Shannon Day (returned)

Losses: Bronson Schofield (Queensland), George Sandral (Melbourne), Harry Stonnill (Jerilderie)

Prospects: Made huge inroads last season to make finals for the first time and look an extremely good chance of staying in the top six. While Bronson Schofield is a huge departure, the Crows have picked up a quality player from Rutherglen in Darcy Spinks. Jake Nicholson and Cal Dunstan are coming off injury-interrupted seasons and could also be handy. The Austins and Kerrs form a strong local contingent and queries over the club's depth seem to have eased with some sound recruiting.

Coaches comments: "I've been happy with our pre-season numbers and the boys are looking forward to it," Crows' coach Jason Kerr said.

Prediction: 5th

MORE FOOTBALL CONTENT:

Coach: Heath Ohlin

Last year: 7th (10-8)

Gains: Brayden Skeers (North Wagga), Seamus Quinn, Mitch Brown, Jacob Schmidt, Callum Holzer (Barnawartha), Sam Scott and Dylon Simpson (Rutherglen), Liam Sweeney, Pat Smith and Daniel Terlich (CSU), Jack Beard (Wodonga), Simon Hillier (North Albury), Hamish Ross (Deniliquin), Tex Gillard (Wagga), Beau Connell, Ben Terlich (out of retirement)

Losses: Damian Cupido and Chris WIllis (Corowa-Rutherglen), William Farrer (Broome), Kim Kantilla (Gippsland), Jono Male (Lavington), Jared Brennan and Joel Price (Violet Town), Harry Nunn (Canberra), Daniel Cox (Chiltern)

Prospects: One of several sides who could sneak into the top six. The Swampies have lured a handful of former players back to the club and, if pre-season numbers are anything to go by, they will lack nothing in enthusiasm. Played an intra-club during pre-season and had players on the bench for both sides. The worry for coach Heath Ohlin is the amount of class which has gone out the door with five of their best 10 players departing. Brennan is virtually irreplaceable. Would have benefited from a softer draw but the coronavirus could have changed that with a shortened season now set to be played if the competition goes ahead.

Coaches comments: "Because we've got such a new group of players it's hard to say how we will go but I certainly don't want to put a ceiling on it," Ohlin said.

Prediction: 8^th

Coach: David Miles

Last year: 8th (9-9)

Gains: David Miles (North Albury), Clint Brunnenmeyer (Mayne), Bill McCormick and Manny Hughes (Rutherglen), Steve Fouracre (Federal), Tyler Lampe (Holbrook), Dane Keenes (Farrer league), Toby Pargeter (year off)

Losses: Steve Jolliffe, Charlie Hamilton, Brett Lefoe and Beau Packer (Wodonga Raiders), Ryan Cannon (CDHBU), Matt Lee (Dederang-Mt Beauty), Alex Dilger (Tasmania), Aaron Spargo, Josh Garland

Prospects: Like Culcairn, the Spiders have undergone massive change. The biggest challenge facing first-year coach David Miles is a lack of height. Ryan Cannon, Matt Lee, Alex Dilger and Aaron Spargo have departed and could play key position while veteran ruckman Peter Hancock's playing future remains up in the air. Miles will head up a strong midfield and, along with Ben Baker, Matt McDonald and Clint Brunnenmeyer, may need to hit the scoreboard.

Coaches comments: "We've got a lot of new faces at the club so it will be interesting to see how we go," coach David Miles said.

Prediction: 9th

Coach: Mitch Carroll

Last year: 9th (8-10)

Gains: Graham O'Connell (Coleambally), Paul Wilesdorf (Yass), Blake Schober (Waikerie), Sam Johnson (Keith), Keelan Jones, Nick Shepherd

Losses: Neil Irwin (Queanbeyan), Sean Wilkinson (AFL Canberra)

Prospects: The Demons were sitting in the top six for most of last season before slipping up in the run home and losing their final five matches. Are always going to be formidable at home particularly with Jordan Harrington, Abe Wooden and Jesse Margosis on song in the midfield. The loss of man-mountain ruckman Neil Irwin is massive. He played 15 matches last season and was rarely out of Lockhart's best.

Coaches comments: "I think everyone just wants the season to start but nobody is sure when that will be," Demon coach Mitch Carroll said.

Prediction: 6th

Coach: Mick Collins

Last year: 10th (4-14)

Gains: Ryan Cannon (Howlong), Jack McCann (Bendigo), Cody Kuschert, Harley Ralph and Sam Haigh (Corowa-Rutherglen), Sam Ferguson and Jeremy Stevenson (Rennie), Josh Mercieca (North Albury), Roberts Phibbs (Chiltern) and Sam Burdon (Moyhu)

Losses: Cody Howard (Box Hill)

Prospects: The Power has significantly improved two key areas - goalkicking and depth. Ryan Cannon and Cody Kuschert will provide the club with much-needed firepower and it would be no surprise if it improved on last year's four wins in a shortened season.

Coaches comments: "I'm happy with how we are shaping up," coach Mick Collins said. "There is a lot of optimism about the place."

Prediction: 11th

Coach: Andrew Wilson

Last year: 11th (3-15)

Gains: Tim Darcy (Kiewa-Sandy Creek), Sam Myors, Damian Bradley and Michael Blomeley (King Valley), Jesse Laurie (year off), Bailey Hosie (North Albury)

Losses: Harry Weaven (Lavington), Joel Klemke (year off)

Prospects: Jindera is another club confident of climbing the ladder after a horror 2019 draw. The Bulldogs have added some midfield run and Sam Crawshaw will be like a recruit following a shoulder reconstruction. Wade McPherson returns to the club as an assistant-coach after a stint as co-coach of Lavington's reserves while Matt Crawshaw will coach Jindera's reserves. Coach Andrew Wilson underwent leg surgery at the end of last season and is undecided if he will play on or retire

Coaches comments: "Just having our list secured early puts us in a better place than last year," coach Andrew Wilson said. "Our numbers have been good and we've added some leg speed and experience."

Prediction: 10th

Coach: Brett Argus

Last year: 12th (0-18)

Gains: Jake Mitchelson (Lavington), Couper Smith (Howlong), Spencer Jones (Albury), Matt Kendall (Wodonga Saints), Taylor Schultz, Jeff Quinn, Juan Taravillo

Losses: Daniel Maher (Rennie)

Prospects: Coach Brett Argus believes the Magpies are in far better shape than 2019. While it remains to be seen if the club can break its losing streak, it has had more gains than losses.

Coaches comments: "Our bottom 10 has improved a great deal on last year. We will be more competitive. I'm hoping the big blow outs disappear and we get a few wins on the board," coach Brett Argus said.

Prediction: 12th