NEW Koroit skipper Liam Hoy says the Saints' senior side has returned refreshed and more eager than ever to extend its premiership-winning streak.
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The Saints get their 2019 flag defence and quest for a seventh-in-a-row started against fellow Hampden league premiership contenders South Warrnambool at Victoria Park on Good Friday.
Hoy, 25, was recently voted the club's new captain by the leadership group and replaces 2019 premiership skipper Brett Harrington.
The tough midfielder said the side had benefited from the year off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic-forced abandonment of the 2020 season.
"The boys have had a good pre-season and the group has stuck together through a tough 12 months," he said.
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"The club has come out the other end really well and I think the 12 months might've been a blessing for our group. They look really keen and they're in super shape.
"A few of the boys have come back even keener. Six years right at the peak is gonna take its toll at some stage so a year off did nothing but benefit us. It's exciting to see what we can continue with."
Hoy said it was a honour to lead a club and town which means so much to his family.
"It's something I didn't expect when I came to the club four years ago," he said.
"My grandparents grew up in Koroit and dad (Graham) was a Koroit man and I cant wait to represent the family and the footy club and lead them out on Good Friday."
The Hampden interleague representative said there was strong competition for spots in the Saints' senior side and backed Todd White, Alex Pulling and Tim McIntyre to have good seasons.
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"There has been a super energy and a lot of the boys have put themselves in a position to push for a senior spot and a lot of the younger kids have driven the older group again with their enthusiasm," he said.
"A few boys have returned and it's a good space at the moment.
"Being a close-knit community and coming together through the COVID time the footy club has always been one point of reference we all draw back to and it's highlighted the club's open arms policy."
Hoy said he was keen to do his best in his new role.
"I want to not necessary put my own spin on it as the club is in a great spot and there are four or five blokes who could have taken this position," he said.
"I'm just going to try to be the best I can be and be a voice for both the older and younger boys and hopefully given them a good balance between footy on and off the field and keep the club going in the way it's going."
The first bounce at Victoria Park on Friday is 2pm.
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