The Southern Roos have played in the past three grand finals, and have significantly strengthened their side this off-season, with the return of young gun Eric Guthrie and former AFL player Michael Close, who should be available to play by mid-season.

District league enthusiast and former coach Daryl Eastwell said it is hard to look past Harrow-Balmoral as the premiership favourite. 

READ MORE: The 2019 Horsham District netball preview 

"They look like the team to beat," Eastwell said. "They were already a really good side and they've topped up really nicely."

But Harrow-Balmoral coach Nick Pekin expects an even competition.

"There's a lot of hype going around that we are the team to beat, but you never know until you play everyone once," Pekin said. "I think a lot of teams have improved."

Perennial threat Kalkee have had an off-season defined more by departures than arrivals.

Hugo Papst, Steve Schultz and possibly Lachie Exell will be missing from last season's grand final side, but with Stuart Farr at the helm, a drop-off seems unlikely.

"You can never underestimate a Kalkee side that is coached by Stuart Farr," Eastwell said. "They will be a quick, young side and they are looking pretty good."

Eastwell said he expected Natimuk United to continue their ascent under coach Sam Anson, while Swifts could be a contender after a fruitful off-season.

"I reckon as a bit of a smokey, Swifts and Natimuk United are two sides that will definitely improve this year," Eastwell said. "They could well and truly sneak under the radar and have a real say in finals."

Jeparit-Rainbow have lost some key players, with Ash and Tom Clugston departing to Dimboola and premier ruckman Sam Cranna returning to South Australia.

Edenhope-Apsley, meanwhile, will be hoping to step into contention after addressing a key weakness from 2018. The Saints have signed two key forwards in George Walker and Carl Slape.

Laharum, Noradjuha-Quantong and Rupanyup will also be hoping to play finals.

"Laharum are always a good side, but I still think they need to pick up a few players," Eastwell said.

"Noradjuha-Quantong are improving nicely, too. They will be competitive this year."

Eastwell said the best aspect of the upcoming season was how even the competition appeared. Last season's wooden spooners Taylors Lake and Pimpinio have newfound momentum heading into the 2019 season, both with some handy signings.

A trio of Indigenous players signed from Western Australia will add some excitement at the Lakers.

Even if they aren't winning games, both sides will be far more competitive this season.

EDENHOPE-APSLEY: In - Carl Slape, George Walker, Joel Lowe. Out - Corey Williams, Briley Gould, James Close, Lindsay Johnston

HARROW-BALMORAL: In - Michael Close, Eric Guthrie, Digby Sangster, Scott Addinsall. Out - Jarrod Potter, Hamish Mccrae, Hamish Thomas

JEPARIT-RAINBOW: In - Sean Pratt. Out - Ash Clugston, Tom Clugston, Sam Cranna

KALKEE: In - Riley Bryan, Cooper Price, Connor Gould, Bailey Pilgrim. Out - Hugo Papst, Steve Schultz, Lachie Exell

LAHARUM: In - Jarrod Potter,  Out - Ambrose Launder, Angus Martin

NATIMUK UNITED: In - Liam Offer, Matthew Williams, Corey Emmerson. Out - Noah Brennan, Jack Ford

NORADJUHA-QUANTONG: In - Tom Cooper, Nathan Byrne, Clayton Jardine, Corey Williams. Out - Liam Dunn, Connor Gould

PIMPINIO: In - Nathan Clough, Chris Walsh, Nick Thompson. Out - Matthew White, Kyle Dumesny

RUPANYUP: In - Jesse Jesson, Tim Tyler, Jack Kreuzberger, Darby Harrison. Out - Jimmy Duxson, Corey Chenoweth

SWIFTS: In - Brett Hargreaves, Todd Matthews. Out - Ben Taylor, Andrew Cameron

TAYLORS LAKE: In - Chris Griffiths Jnr, Ricky Howard, Hezekiah Mccorry, Kirsten Hunter, Mitchell Whelan. Out - Justin Kannar, Kenny Codi, Kevin Purchase

Pimpinio

Kalkee

Edenhope-Apsley

Natimuk United

Laharum

Jeparit-Rainbow

Taylors Lake

Harrow-Balmoral

Swifts

Rupanyup