Stepping into the role full time after sharing the load with Alex Russell last season, Laskey will lead a new-look Saints side thanks to a top-up of TSL and NTFA premier division talent.

Launceston pair Ethan Conway and Luke Walsh played 11 TSL senior matches between them last season while returning Saint Brad Dikkenberg, ruckman Jye Balym and bench coach Jake Lowe arrive fresh from a flag with Hillwood.

South Launceston's Luke Tepper, brother of North Launceston midfielder Jordan, adds to the Saints' new names.

MORE FOOTBALL: Abbey Green hopeful of AFLW debut

Deloraine targets 41-year flag drought

OPINION: AFL's Tassie silence is deafening

Launceston the go-to host for AFL blockbusters

"Just seeing all the fresh faces getting a new look around the club [has been exciting]," Laskey said.

"I don't think we've openly gone out and recruited superstars, but we've got a lot of good players that have come on board.

"Fresh faces bring a lot more energy so that's the biggest thing. Sometimes you can roll into pre-season and be very stale, but we've picked up a few and that's probably what has stood out the most."

The Saints enjoyed one of their best senior campaigns of the decade last year, ending a run of six consecutive finals losses en route to their first grand final since 2015.

A 15-year flag drought could not be broken, however, as a star-studded Lilydale led by Thane Bardenhagen and Sonny Whiting romped home for a second flag in three years.

Laskey insisted "embarrassing" was a fair analysis of the 49-point loss.

"It's exactly what happened - they beat us by 50-odd points so you can't shy away from that," the 26-year-old said.

"It's certainly something that sticks in our mind and they're a good side, they'll pick up players as well but they're the cream at the moment, that's where everyone else wants to get to.

'We'll be looking to play deep into finals and we'll see what happens from there - you've only got to make finals I think and anything can happen."

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

A three-time flag-winner at South Launceston, Laskey is entering his third year in green and gold.

The former St Patrick's College student has led his side's goalkicking tally for each of his two seasons at the club and having led trainings for all of last season, is eager to shoulder the full responsibilities of head coach.

"The way I approach things, I'm super honest," Laskey said of his coaching style.

"I'm very blunt and straight to the point - a lot of people do like that, some people don't.

"Coaching is different now - you've got to pat people on the back and you pick out the ones you can be firm with and not, but you've got to get to know your players more than anything."

The Saints will open their 2020 season with a home clash against Meander Valley Suns on March 28.

Sign up to our Sport email here.