• LAST SEASON: 7th (W7, D4, L13)
• TOP SCORER: Noah Mies (16)
• DEPARTURES: Will Compagne (Launceston United), Louis Anthony (UK), Noah Smithies-Sharples (Hobart)
• ARRIVALS: Sam Ridgard (Belper Utd, UK), Rob Gerrard (Northern Rangers), Yasin Mohammadi (Launceston United), Gediminas Krusa (Devonport), Alex Rossetto (Queensland)
• CAPTAIN: Sam Ridgard
• PRE-SEASON GAMES: Launceston United (W 5-0), Zebras (W 2-1), Saturday: Olympia (L 1-2)

Coach Roger Hardwicke:

How's the squad?

Charlie Dyer has come back to us as Magpies Crusaders are not playing, but Louis (Anthony) has returned to England. Gediminas Krusa will be our third import. He played overseas last year but was back and was happy to play for our Championship side but will give us a bit more quality. Noah Smithies-Sharples has gone back to Hobart and we're sad to lose him but Lindsay Millington and Alex Rossetto are both back and we're delighted to have them.

How was the Olympia game?

We learned a lot. It was great that we managed to get a top-four side and I thought we looked like we belonged. We needed to get used to how much quicker top opposition are compared to playing in-house. We got a bit leggy late on but it was just what we needed. It was the perfect hit-out.

What have you learned since COVID?

For some this has been the first time in their lives they have not been able to play any football. Most play futsal or five-a-side through the off-season so it has been a challenge for a few of them. But when restrictions allowed us back it's been a bit more normal and now it's just about getting used to each other and settling on our best starting line-up.

Which player has impressed?

Alex Rossetto has come back from Queensland and slotted in really well. We're asking him to do a slightly different role to what he has normally played and he has accepted that willingly. He is big, tall and fast and with Lindsay (Millington) that gives us a lot of strength and threats from set-pieces.

Thoughts on the new league roster?

Two months ago we thought we might have no competition so I'm happy to have anything. With a 14-round roster you cannot afford to make many mistakes if you want to be up there. It's more of a sprint than a marathon now and I just cannot wait to get out on the pitch and start playing games.