The grand final rematch will get the season underway in GDCA first grade as defending premiers Exies Diggers take on Exies Eagles on Saturday afternoon.
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The two sides were the form teams of the competition last season and are set to resume their rivalry on Exies No 2.
Diggers skipper Theo Valeri said while their preparation for the season opener has been a little interrupted he is expecting his side to come out firing.
"We have had a couple of boys pick up injuries at the back end of the footy season which has hampered our preparation a little bit," he said.
"I think if we will be back at full strength in a couple of weeks, we will just have to push through the opening few rounds."
The injuries seem to have hit their bowling stocks the hardest with Matt Peruzzi, and Dean Villata both ruled out of the season opener, but Valeri has confidence in those who will step into their place.
"I think a few of the boys who played less of a role with the ball will have to almost step into an allrounder role," he said.
"We have picked up Jarrod Cahill for Hillston and Matt Crack is coming back to first grade after a few seasons away."
Valeri knows the addition of Cahill, in particular, will help cover the loss of Peruzzi and Villata.
"He will definitely be a danger with the ball," he said.
Heading into the season with the tag of defending titles, Valeri feels that will add to the motivation for their side to defend their title.
"We take a lot of confidence out of last season," he said.
"If we can back ourselves in early I think we can get into a strong position early in the season."
Taking on Exies in the first game of the season is something that the Diggers skipper is looking forward to.
"We always like coming up against Exies," he said.
"We have the ability to bring the best out of them, and I think they bring the best out of us."
Although hoping that his side will be right up near the top again this season, Valeri fells that Coro could be one of the dark horses this season.
"They always seem to be there or thereabouts and are looking strong this season," he said.
"You just never really know early in the season because it all comes down who hits form at the back end of the season."
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