Goodbye: Uncertainty surrounds key opener Tom Brennan who is currently living overseas. Brennan is expected to return home around Christmas time, and the Saints will be eager to see the young gun re-enter the side.

Summary: Last season's top-four finish saw the previously struggling Saints gain some confidence. The return of Smart and Cooper along with the experienced leadership of Hosking, Andrew Dalgleish, Graeme Foster and Vern Cann, will ensure this season is a prosperous one.

Pacemen Brendan Pieters and Tom Foster will lead the bowling attack, receiving plenty of support from skillful seamers Scott Dadswell and Vern Cann. Off-spinners Shaun Smith and Andrew Dalgleish will lend versatility to the delivery.

Batting is probably the side's weakest point, but the inclusion of Smart and Cooper should sure-up the top end while the hard-hitting Richards and the experienced Hosking will add both excitement and stability to the middle order.

The Saints have a strong youth contingent, with Scott Dadswell, Lauchlan Dalgleish and wicket keeper Ryan Bates now claiming a wealth of senior experience.

With up-and-comers Tyson Carr and Brady Miller able to slot into the side with ease, the Saints will have plenty in reserve.

Finals' contenders.

ARADALE

Hel lo: Batsman Cameron Ralph will add some clout to the batting order. Ralph moves up to A grade after his outstanding effort in C grade last season. Aradale is hoping ace all-rounder Shane Hitchcock will be available for most of the season, however the pivotal player may be hampered by work commitments.

Goodbye: Aradale is not reporting any losses to its line up and expects a similar configuration to last season.

Summary: Matt Baldock and Travis Horvatek will step up into the role of joint-captains, allowing the younger players to take on vital leadership roles.

All-rounder Horvatek will open up the batting and will be well supported by top hitters Clint Rodger, Shane Hitchcock and Brent Tate.

Young Jake Williamson will benefit from last year's senior experience and along with hard-hitting Cameron Ralph will add substance to the middle order.

All-rounder Tate will again lead the pace bowling attack, receiving plenty of support from medium pacers Hitchcock, Balldock and Josh Malcolm. Ralph and Rodger will provide the spin while variety comes in the shape of swing bowler Mal Berg.

After last season's disappointing finish, Aradale's mix of youth and experience are aiming to improve, hopefully enough for a finals' slot.

BUANGOR

Hello: Top recruit Luke Cannan, from Ballarat club Mt Clear, enters the Buangor line up. A first-rate batsman and wicket keeper, Cannan has taken up employment in the area and is looking forward to continuing his career with the side. Former Buangor player Ben Hargreaves returns home after a stint with Youth Club. Hargreaves is currently recovering from injury and if all goes well will slot into the line up in the latter part of the season.

Goodbye: While there are no major losses to report, Jim Fraser will miss a month near the beginning of the season. Veteran Kenny Arch will miss the first few games, but will re-enter the side around Christmas time.

Summary: Buangor knocked off powerhouse Willaura in last season's B grade grand final and replace Navarre in the A grade competition.

The young side will be out to prove its worth against more established opponents, and in some cases will have their work cut out for them.

Medium pacer Jarrod McGuiness will spearhead the bowling, ably assisted by the versatile, yet unpredictable, Rich O'Connell. Declan Adams and Jack Ganley will provide more than adequate back up while young quick Hugh Sheehan may also be called upon. The batting order is still up for discussion with Jim Fraser, Adams and Ganley all proven openers.

Expect the experienced Cannan to be somewhere near the top of the order and Kenny Arch to play a pivotal role when he returns to the pitch late December.

Arch and Cannon will take on key player development roles within the team, although dual-captains are still to be named.

Buangor is still hard at work determining who will play where and may take a few weeks to settle in. One thing is for sure, the young side is determined to impress and cement their spot in the A grade competition.