It will be a beginning of a new era for the association with the region emerging from the coronavirus pandemic with new restrictions in place to protect the health and safety of all players.

Expect to see some revolutionary live-streaming via the association's social media channels too.

Regardless of their existence, restrictions won't impact what will be happening on the field.

Listen to this week's The Main Break podcast with Paralympian Nic Kaiser:

Reigning premiers Pomberneit are aiming for a hat-trick of division one premiership flags.

Powerhouse Mortlake is aiming to return to the top once again after a shock semi-final loss to Camperdown this past season.

The Lakers, led by stalwart Simon Richardson, and the rest of the competition will be eager to knock the Bulls and Cats off the top two spots in the race for the premiership.

The Standard's sport journalists Sean Hardeman and Nick Ansell get the word from the nine clubs ahead of the season's start on Saturday.

2019-20 finish: Fifth

Ins: None

Outs: None

Leader's say: "I think we will be around third or fourth and hopefully we can sneak up a bit higher. We have got the talent but we just need to string it together." - Tim Fitzgerald

Prediction: The Pelicans are a contender in the making ready to stamp their claim as one of the top sides in the competition after just missing out on the finals last season.

Have retained most of their list and have a strong group of juniors coming through their ranks that could help them make the next step.

They are never far from the finals race and season 2020-21 is shaping up as another big year for the Pelicans.

2019-20 finish: Second

Ins: Josh Richardson

Outs: Jye McLaughlin, Jordie Riches

Leader's say: "It's going to be a different season because of COVID and international players can't get in or out of Melbourne or the country it might showcase the local talent instead." - Simon Richardson

Prediction: Surprised the competition with a grand final appearance last season but again look set to be one of the top teams in the competition.

2019-20 finish: Sixth

Ins: Matt Boyle, Jack Hutt, Matt Kemp

Outs: Angus Uwland

Leader's say: "It's a bit of a different one with what's going on but we are excited to be able get out and do something.

"We should improve on last year where we finished middle of the range and we have lost a couple but also picked up a couple so hopefully we improve on last year." - Johno Benallack

Prediction: A few handy players returning for the Knights might be just the reinforcements they need to push towards a finals spot.

With an expected even competition this season Benallack's side is well placed to make a significant push up the ladder towards the top four.

2019-20 finish: Ninth

Ins: Adam Doak, Bayley Thompson, Simon Harkness, Chris Dendle, Travis Brown, Lewy Brown, Blake Mottram, Chris Vogels

Out: Mohammed Aqeeb, Muhammad Tahir

Leader's say: "We're definitely expecting and hoping for some improvement on last season.

"We're not expecting to win the flag or anything but we're building and we want to make sure blokes are enjoying things.

"We've got two teams again this year which is great." - Joel Moriarty

Our prediction: Expecting solid improvement from Heytesbury Rebels with the help of some quality players and more numbers.

Some quality talent at the club and the addition of at least four quality players will immediately bolster its depth. One to watch.

2019-20 finish: Third

Ins: Tom Millard

Outs: Tyler Schafer

Leader's say: "We're very excited for the upcoming season.

"We've had a bit of an interrupted start with COVID and training and all that but we've managed to get two or three really good sessions in. Our numbers are looking good." - Todd Robertson

Prediction: South West Cricket's traditional powerhouse who look set for another finals campaign. The club will be hungry to climb back to grand final calculations after missing out this past season.

The loss of Schafer will hurt but the addition of leg-spinner Tom Millard will only benefit the Cats' chances. Genuine flag contender.

2019-20 finish: Fourth

Ins: Jimmy Moloney

Outs: Rory Baker, Luke Justin

Leader's say: "I think the competition is going to be fairly even with a lack of imports being here.

"Heytesbury and Terang have picked up some players so I feel it will be an even competition." - Steve O'Connor

Prediction: The side's first finals appearance since 2016-17 last season will give them a heap of confidence they belong.

Expecting they will be heavily involved in the finals race but with a tighter competition the top four will be a hotly contested battle.

2019-20 finish: Premiers

Ins: None

Outs: Clinton Place

Leader's say: "I think we will be there abouts again.

"Clinton performed well in the two grand finals but in terms of season proper most of the work was evenly spread with bowling and we have some younger guys chip in.

"Sam and Tom Darcy and Tom place will have some extra overs each as a result of him leaving.

"Bowling was our strength but we are now back to pack a bit but I think we should manage." - Grant Place

Prediction: The two-time reigning champions are again well placed for a charge at a three-peat.

The loss of Clinton is big but they have managed to hold onto their two Sri Lankan imports as a result of the pandemic.

A well-rounded team that should feature towards the top of the table.

2019-20 finish: Eighth

Ins: Aaron Harding, Luke Rano

Outs: Nick Harding, Ellis Mort, Travis Brown

Leader's say: "As we are getting close there is a little bit more optimism but people have been busy with their lives prior to the season coming up but this week there has been a bit of optimism around and sense of 'lets get into it'." - Philip Vines

Prediction: Another side who has managed to get some new faces into their squad.

Would need players to find form early to make a good run for finals but in an unusual year anything could happen for the Tigers.

2019-20 finish: Seventh

Ins: Brett Hunger, Hamish Bruckner. Outs: Josh Parsons

Leader's say: "I'd love us to be competitive in every match and want to use momentum through games and try and play to our absolute strengths and be as consistent as possible.

"I think we will be pretty good and hope to give a few scares through the competition."

Prediction: Two massive inclusions for Munro's side should have them well in the fight for finals.

A good contender for a higher finish this season because of the reinforcements in Hunger and Bruckner.

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