Saints’ royalty Chris McLaren has replaced three-time premiership coach Adam Dowie at the helm, determined to help the Victoria Park club add to its rich history.

McLaren is upbeat about the Saints’ chances of contending again, predicting strong input from their new inclusions.

Terang Mortlake veteran Damian O’Connor spearheads the arrivals and is predicted to provide just as much valuable intel off the field as he is on it.

Former TAC Cup-listed midfielder Liam Hoy and Merrivale wingman Alex Pulling, along with Greater Western Victoria Rebels-listed pair Lukas Essenwagner and Ethan McLaren, have committed.

Tim McIntyre (knee), Blair McCutcheon (hand) and Tom Lynch (foot) will also return to full fitness after injury-interrupted 2016 seasons.

McLaren said Koroit would make “subtle changes” in a bid to maintain its title as the Hampden league’s hunted.

Tightening its defence – he conceded the Saints leaked too many points at times last year – and rejigging its midfield to include O’Connor and McIntyre are atop the list.

“We’ve got to be mindful what we’ve done the last four years has worked pretty well as well,” he said.

Managing O’Connor’s workload, given his recent history with groin issues, is also front of mind.

“He feels great at the moment but it will be a bit of a slow build to make sure he doesn’t aggravate those issues,” McLaren said.

Veterans Joe McLaren and Ben Goodall – both proven finals specialists – will line up again.

“There wouldn’t have been too many 39 year olds playing Hampden league seniors over the years,” McLaren said of his older brother.

“It’s such a good environment to train and play in at the moment that it’s pretty hard to give it away.

“Benny Goodall’s been training a bit this year and we don’t normally see him until a lot later.”

The draw

R1: Camperdown (A)

R2: South Warrnambool (H)

R3: Port Fairy (on April 1)

R4: Portland (H)

R5: Hamilton Kangaroos (A)

R6: Warrnambool (H)

R7: Cobden (A)

R8: Terang Mortlake (A)

R9: North Warrnambool Eagles (H)

R10: Camperdown (H)

R11: South Warrnambool (A)

R12: Port Fairy (H)

R13: Portland (A)

R14: Hamilton Kangaroos (H)

R15: Warrnambool (A)

R16: Cobden (H)

R17: Terang Mortlake (H)

R18: North Warrnambool Eagles (A)

2016 best and fairest

1st: Brett Harrington

2nd: Isaac Templeton

3rd: 

Arrivals

Damian O'Connor (Terang Mortlake), Liam Hoy (Noosa), Alex Pulling (Merrivale), Lukas Essenwagner (South Rovers), Tom Baker (South Rovers), Ethan McLaren (Hawks), Todd White (Hawks), Lachie Rhook (North Warrnambool Eagles), Liam O'Sullivan (North Warrnambool Eagles), Fraser Robb (Hawks)

Departures

Nick Hausler (VFL), Ben Walsh (Kolora-Noorat), Willem Drew (Port Adelaide, AFL), Levi Nagorcka (shoulder)

Player to watch

LUKAS ESSENWAGNER: Ruckman who has an elite basketball background, having played for Vic Country. Played his junior football at the successful South Rovers program in the Warrnambool and District league and is now in the TAC Cup system.