Highett makes the trek to Ashwood to open its 2010 division two season under new coach Trent McMicking, who has spent the past two years as assistant coach at Tarwin in the Alberton league.
The Bulldogs are looking to improve on their fourth placing last season and McMicking reckons if numbers at training are any guide, his team is on the right track.
Among the new signings at Turner Road are former Tooronga Malvern stalwart Jake Ellen, onballer Greg Hoskin from Waverley Blues and Daniel Marshall, a ruckman from Frankston Bombers.
His cousin Ryan Marshall will also return to the fold after a stint overseas.
The Dogs have lost Josh Wright (Oakleigh District), along with Joe Sabilia and Joel Ferguson to Clayton.
Ashwood will again be coached by Paul Hattersley, with Dylan Jones (Oakleigh District), Tom Bourke (Bendigo FL), Will Colbert (Alberton FL) and Josh Burley (North Gippsland FL) among their numerous country recruits.
Andrew Mottram from Thornton-Eildon is another new face expected to make a difference for the Magpies, while the return of star forward/follower Dale Carroll from Frankston YCW is a bonus.
Black Rock takes on the newly-promoted Skye at McDonald Reserve.
The Rockers have been aggressive over the summer and have some big signings.
Whilst Luke Kirkland has elected to return to Mordialloc, the Rockers have been quick to pounce on a ready made replacement in former East Brighton and Heatherton full forward Marcus Wilson.
Marcus trained with 2009 grand finalist South Yarra but has signed at Black Rock, where he will be the spearhead and mentor the Rockers' young forwards.
Ex-Mordialloc forward Kris Lawrence has had a huge pre-season and looks in terrific shape. Also joining from Mordi is onballer Shaun Richards. Hard nut Clint Jarrett has joined from Highett and Andrew Phelps has returned to Macdonald Reserve.
Other notable ``ins'' include Jarrod Dean from Geelong, Aaron Jolly from East Brighton and > defender Leigh Jones.
Young ruckman/forward Ben Smith has benefited from some senior football in 2009 and looks ready to take the next step.
The Rockers are also looking to coax evergreen Nick Owen into playing on in 2010.
The Skye Bombers, again under the guidance of premiership coach Cory Stevens, are confident of establishing a foothold in the higher division.
Ben Walker, a three-time premiership player with Edithvale-Aspendale, will boost the Bombers' onball division, while his ex-Seagull teammate, ruckman Andrew Lucas, is another handy acquisition.
Tall defender Paul Perez has crossed from Pearcedale and Daniel Selmon has joined from Doveton Eagles. Retirees Danny Jenson and Dean McCarthy are among the Bombers' few losses from their premiership list.
New Lyndale coach Kris Aker will be looking to youth to rebuild the Puma stocks and is looking forward to the club's opening game against Caulfield.
We're all about bringing the youngsters through, but we've got some steadying experience to provide a reasonable balance,'' he said.
Brad Zietsman (ex-Frankston VFL) and assistant coach Tim Hansford will provide solid support, while the likes of ex-Noble Park junior and Sandown Cobra Louis Zammit and former Doveton forward Jack Huang will add some dash.
Caulfield, again under the guidance of Pete McCall, has gained former Murrumbeena star Kris Kolb, whose experience will prove valuable.
Zac Griffiths, a key forward from Drysdale and Aaron Shedlock, a defender from Cranbourne, are among the other new faces, while Paul Bourke has returned to the fold after a stint in the Amateurs.
The Bears' most significant loss is key forward Ryan McEvoy, who has signed with Old Geelong.
South Yarra and Murrumbeena will lock horns in the battle of the Lions in Saturday's season-opener at Fritz Holzer Park.
The Yarras, runners-up in 2009, appear to have recruited well and should again be a force under the astute eye of coach Andrew Neville.
Josh Gledhill from Tatura will fill a key position, while former Ormond pair Danny Byra (onballer) and Daniel Palling (forward flank) are welcome additions.
Ex-North Kew onballer Travis Brown will also line up for the Yarras, along with fellow newcomers Clinton Patterson, Billy Draper and James McIntosh. Former co-coach Simon Keating (retired), Luke Hill (overseas) and Lachlan McGregor (VAFA) are mong the significant departures.
Murrumbeena has welcomed an influx of recruits, including former Caulfield Grammar trio Phil Zara, Josh Smith and Michael Kinsella.
Zara, an ex-Sandringham Dragons onballer/forward, will add some zip to the Lions' front half, while Smith, a high-leaping forward, and utility Kinsella are handy pick-ups.
Sean Thornton has returned to the club from Greenvale, while Derek Evans and Corey Hargreaves, products of the Colts, are expected to do well.
Coach Peter O'Dea is looking forward to an improved effort in 2010.
The training has been fantastic and we're hoping for a big year,'' he said.
The Beena's major departure is Ash Rowlands, to Moama.
The black-and-whites of division two will battle it out at Clayton Reserve on Sunday when Clayton takes on Oakleigh District.
Clayton, relegated for the first time in SFL history, is keen to climb back into the top bracket and coach Richard Szerszyn reckons they're equipped for the task.
We're in better shape than we were this time last year,'' he said.
``We've topped up our list with a little bit of experience and I reckon we're more balanced.
Back at the club is former SFL best-and-fairest winner Vic Currie after a stint at Keysborough, while Joe Sibilia has also returned from Highett, bringing with him Joel Ferguson.
Tom and Jack Crameri have been cleared from Drouin. Tom is a back-pocket specialist and Jack a nuggety defender.
Grant Pitts has taken over the reins at Oakleigh District following the return to Noble Park of Andrew Morwood.
Pitts is excited about the year ahead and believes the Oaks can field a formidable side.
The talented Ryan Everett has crossed from Toora, where he will rejoin his ex-Cheltenham teammate Zane Jenkins. The master of the speccy, John Harley, has returned to the Oaks from Heathmont, and the brilliant Paul Fermanis is back from Noble Park.
Elvis Alimoski has also rejoined after a year off, while Josh Wright has crossed from Highett. Josh will finally don the colours worn by his father Steve prior to his illustrious league career with South Melbourne/Sydney.
Last Modified on 09/04/2010 12:02