The Saints start their campaign tomorrow against Blackheath at Coughlin Park, Horsham.

Saints captain Tim Bell said the Saints would look to build on their strong 2008-09 season.

"We played pretty well last season, but in the end we just didn't have the grand final experience to go all the way," Bell said.

"We had a bad day against Rup- Minyip in the grand final, and really that was all that was bad from our season."

Bell said his team had learnt a lot from the grand final loss.

"Only Gary Davidson and Travis Hair had played in an A Grade grand final before last season, and Davo missed last year," he said.

"A lot of us have learnt from it, and we should be able to go close again."

He said the Saints would regain Chris Giampaolo for the season, and would have Davidson, the 2008-09 leading batsman, return for the full season.

Davidson was unable to play after Christmas last season due to family commitments, but still managed to win the Horsham Cricket Association batting average award.

Blackheath will be keen to have a better start than last season when it started the season with four losses.

Again led by Jason Templeton, the Plainsmen will have a strong batting list with Rowan Hill, Harry Young, Hamish Exell and Andrew Trigg.

Rup-Minyip begin their premiership defence against Jung Tigers.

The Blue Panthers will sport a similar line-up to last season led by the dominant Morgan brothers Paul, Craig and Glenn, the Funckes - Leigh and Ross, and all-rounder Adam Carter.

The Tigers will be a different outfit this season.

Nathan Neumann has relinquished the captaincy with the Tigers yet to appoint an on-field leader, with youth likely to play a major role in their season.

Tigers veteran Jason Pymer believed their fortunes were likely to hinge on the development of Tyler Neville, Nick Petering, Tony Block, Conor Lawson and Leigh Marklew.