REIGNING premier Wandella is expected to set the pace in the Golden Rivers league again this season.
The Bombers, under coach Ash Wilson, have lost Lachlan Gillies to the Geelong and District league but are otherwise playing their cards close to their chest.
If they retain most of last year's list, there is no reason the club can't go back-to-back this year.
Runner-up Moulamein will be out to rectify last year's grand final result by going one better this season.
The Swans have lost John Dunstone and Josh Richards to Balranald and Kane Evans to Swan Hill, while Travis Pryor is awaiting a clearance to North Central club Wedderburn.
But the club, coached by Lee Anderson, will be strengthened by the return of Beau Douthie from Woomelang-Lascelles and will be hoping for another productive season.
Former Tyntynder and Birchip-Watchem player, Brad Ryan, has taken over the senior coaching job from Glenn Smith at Nullawil.
One of Ryan's first tasks will be to find a replacement for spearhead Sean Bedggood, who is returning to his home club Lalbert.
But the Maroons will be confident of an improved season, with Scott Smith (Minyip-Murtoa), Karl Robertson (Lake Boga), Andrew Ryan (South Mildura), Scott Baxter (Newbridge) and Brendan Crabbe (Sea Lake-Nandaly) joining the ranks.
Macorna has signed Wycheproof-Narraport gun Josh White, who will also act as assistant coach to Wayne Metrovic.
Wakool has struggled since winning the 2006 flag and will be looking to develop its young playing list this season under new coach Lachlan Gleeson.
The season begins on Saturday.
