The reigning premier has been in ominous early season form after it spanked both the Saints and Rand-Walbundrie-Walla by 71 and 123 points respectively.

Both the Saints and Giants are expected to progress deep into September.

Garland said the chasing pack had a lot of ground to make up if anybody was to seriously challenge the Tigers.

"Osborne are raging favourites by the length of the Flemington straight," Garland said.

"It's their flag to lose and everyone is chasing them."

After matching Holbrook for the first-half last weekend, the Saints ran out of legs in the second-half to go down by 11-points.

Garland said the Saints won't be reaching for the panic button but face another massive test when they host Rand-Walbundrie-Walla at Brocklesby.

"There have been some promising signs in patches," he said.

"We have played Osborne and Holbrook who most people predict to be grand finalists.

"It's not the results we were after but we improved last week and if we keep improving we will get a win soon enough."

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As expected, the Saints have struggled to cover the loss of Azzi medallist Nico Sedgwick (Lavington) and John-Roy Williams (knee) in the opening rounds.

Garland said there was no use dwelling on the losses.

"We have to focus on what we can control as a team and everybody needs to step-up," he said.

"But blokes like Tyson Neander and Brodie Parr will spend plenty of time on the wings and we have faith in them."

The Giants were one of the most active clubs over the off-season with coach Lucas Mellier, alongside Aydan Brown, Luke Gerecke and Charlie Williams adding a wealth of experience.

Key defender Mark Haydon is yet to make his debut after suffering a groin injury but is a chance to return on the weekend.

Garland rated the Giants as a genuine finals contender.

"I rate them similar to ourselves and undoubtedly we will have to play somewhere near our best to beat them."

Prolific goalkicker Damian Cupido made his highly-anticipated debut for the Saints last week and booted three goals.

The burly forward looked dangerous early but was starved of opportunities in the second-half.

Garland played centre half-forward and the two marking targets will need to perform on the weekend for the Saints to win.

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