The Warriors battle A grade reigning premier Merrivale at Davidson Oval on Good Friday.

Toleman named the midcourter as her player to watch in 2021.

"She's probably coming into the season the fittest she has come into a season," Toleman said.

"So that's really exciting for us as a team with our captain leading from the front in that way."

READ MORE:

Alderson played centre for the Warriors in 2019 and Toleman confirmed she would be there again this year.

The coach said the Warriors had put in a great pre-season overall.

"Hoping for a good consistent year from the girls they've had a really fun pre-season so hopefully that comes out on the court and we just enjoy our netball," Toleman said.

"We're excited to be back this weekend."

Old Collegians enters the season with recruits Grace Bell (Koroit), Hannah Garner (South Rovers) and Emily Jansen Van Beek (Timboon Demons).

The Warriors outs are Maggie Kline (moved for uni), Meagan Forth (Nirranda) and Nicole O'Shannessy (Russells Creek).

The Warriors have lost gun players but they still have experienced heads such as Alderson, Bec Kavanagh, Chelsea Quinn and Emily Porra.

Porra is back for another season after having her second child in 2020.

She's excited about where the young A grade team is headed.

The goal defence is eager to hit the court on Friday.

"I'm really looking forward to it, it's supposed to be really hot so it'll test us, test our fitness and our bodies," she said.

"But I'm pretty confident the girls are all in good shape.

"Last time we met Merrivale was in a semi-final in 2019 and obviously they bet us so we've got some unfinished business there."

The A grade match starts at 1.50pm at Davidson Oval.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.