The Saints first grade team went down in the semi-finals last year and their reserve grade just got ‘piped at the post’ in the grand final making this year an important one for the club.

“Our goal is to make it into the top three in both grades,” Saints’ head coach Jason Fisher told the Macleay Argus.

“Alex Breckel will be my assistant coach/manager and I’ll be overseeing both grades of football.

“We have some players coming from the reserve grade into first grade this season and because the reserve grade did so well last year there isn’t really a big gap between the two squads so anyone can step up to the plate this season.

“We’re really trying to encourage and develop the younger players coming through this year because they are our future but on a good note we have Sam Mahoney who didn’t play much last year coming back into the squad and he’ll certainly boost the first grade midfield.” 

Not starting the North Coast Premier League season till April 16, Fisher said it’s all about building a team and finding the right people.

“We lost three first graders to university but we have picked up a few players from the Newcastle competition which in a way evens things out and we should also be able to draw three YD1 (U18) sides this year,” Fisher said.

“We’ll be holding our first training/trial day for the North Coast Premier League competition this Tuesday, February 2 from 6pm at the Eden Street oval and everyone is welcome to try out or just come along and get involved in the club.  “There will also be 2016 registration days on Saturday, February 13 and 20 from 10am to 1pm and on Wednesday, February 17 and 24 from 4pm till 6pm both at the Kempsey Hotel.

“And finally, the club will also be holding under six introductory training sessions in February on Wednesdays 10, 17 and 24 from 3.30pm at St Josehs Primary School.”