St Pats were overpowered in last year's NTFA division one grand final and it began in the middle of the ground.
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Ageless tap merchant Andrew McLean and fellow Lilydale tall Patrick Sulzberger dominated in the ruck as the Demons waltzed to a 49-point victory.
This season - slated to get under way some time after May 31 - the Saints have a new weapon in the middle.
NTFA premier division premiership ruckman Jye Balym has made the switch from Hillwood and is excited to make an impression for his new side.
"It was a pretty hard decision to make, being at Hillwood for five years," the 21-year-old said.
"That's where I first started playing football but I just needed something a little closer to home.
"[St Pats] have got a pretty young culture up there which is good, [plenty] around the same age and a few of my good mates, so I'm just looking forward to a year with a few of my close mates and building some new friendships.
"I'll try to give 100 per cent every single game, try and do what's best for the team and hopefully give midfielders first use of the football around the ground."
Primarily a soccer player as a junior, Balym spent eight years at Prospect Knights and Launceston City, with whom he played a season as goalkeeper in the 2014 Northern Premier League.
The former Summerdale Primary and Prospect High student then joined Hillwood's under-19s outfit as a 16-year-old in 2015.
Making his senior debut in 2017, Balym spent the first half of 2019 in reserves, but broke through to play the final 10 games of the year in seniors.
He was named in the Sharks' best on eight occasions and was best on ground in the preliminary final upset over Longford.
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"The last couple of years I was in and out of the reserves and seniors but before that I played soccer," the Nix Insulation and Plastering apprentice said.
"I didn't really grow up playing junior football so it was a big step and a lot different game to get to know.
"[The premiership] was an unreal feeling - at the end of the day that's what you play football for isn't it?
"To win a premiership with your mates who you've put in the hard work with all year ... it was a great feeling."
Losing grand finalists in three of the past six seasons, St Pats will be hoping the ruckman's inclusion will be the boost needed to take their season one step further.
Balym for one believes the Saints can go all the way in 2020.
"Absolutely - we've got a good young team and a lot of experience around as well."