The Saints dropped back to the pack last season after consecutive premierships but had started to threaten again come the end of the season. Fisher said he was excited to build on that finish to the season because he knew what his team was capable of.

“We finished on a positive last year and hopefully it starts that way this season,” he said. “I am also looking forward to being able to play some good footy myself and have an impact on the field myself.”

Inconsistency hampered the Saints as they struggled to fine reliable avenues to goal during 2017 while defenders had to constantly battle against bigger opponents. Fisher said the return of Michael Rowe will likely allow Daniel Souter to play a different role as well as through the ruck.

“Souter continued to grow in confidence and with the help of Michael Rowe, he will benefit from experienced players being around him,” he said. “Nathan Clough will be a forward for us who will play deep close to goal after having a year off last year.”

The selections of Angus Gove, Mitch Martin and Brayden Helyar in the Greater Western Victoria Rebels squad will see the trio miss a number of game after proving important last season.

What are your goals for the 2018 season?

We are hoping to improve in a range of areas this year and we always want to go as deep as we can into finals. We have not set goals around our ladder position, we have tried to focus on what we can control and the way we want to play. 

Who will you be looking towards to have a big year?

We will look to our senior core group to be consistent and for them to stand up as build on last year. Last year our kids were terrific, as were our leaders. Xander McRae, Ferg O’connor, Sam Clyne, Nathan Byrne, Jacob O’Beirne, Thomas Pain, Andy Devereaux and Matt Combe will lead us with their experience but the players understand that we can all be leaders. 

Who do you expect will take a step up this season?

Daniel Souter has continued to grow in confidence and with the help of Michael Rowe, he will benefit from experienced players being around him. 

Gage Wright is a young kid who has grown a lot over the summer and has shown some promising signs. He will get some opportunities this year if he continues to work hard at training. 

Players like James Lang, and new player Kieran Hinch look to be improving on the track and we hope they can make an impact throughout the year. Other new players who will look to make an impact are Spencer Weir and Sean O’Connell. 

Who do you think will be the team to beat?

It sounds like the competition will be strong and fairly even again but Miniyp-Murtoa and Warrack Eagles seem to have been very active during the off season.