The red and white faithful will pack Princess Park to cheer on their side after a mammoth break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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And, while the hiatus has left sides unclear of what to expect come Saturday afternoon, one certainty is the Swans and Benalla will keep the focus firmly on their magnet board.
“There is always a bit of uncertainty (first round), especially more this time around after the long break. But we are pretty excited to get out there and get stuck into it,” Swans coach Paul Hawke said.
“Everyone has had different preparations and all you can do is put in the hard work and hope you are prepared enough.
“We need to back ourselves in and trust that what we've done is good enough on the day.
“But we also need to respect the opposition, Benalla are always a quality side.”
Benalla playing coach Jake Pallpratt agreed with Hawke's sentiments.
“It is hard to get a gauge on how other teams will play. I think once the first four to six weeks is played then we will have a better idea,” Pallpratt said.
“We will put a big focus on us and the way we play. We want to be really competitive and hard to play against.”
Although it has been a long wait since bodies crashed and banged at the Swans’ home deck, it has been a painstaking wait for the club's seniors to triumph over Benalla — having not tasted a win over their rivals in more than six years.
The Swans last overcame Benalla in the epic 2014 grand final that was decided by three points.
A host of familiar names from that classic match, BJ Squire, Jessie Finnen and Tom Campbell, will run out again for the Swans after spending recent seasons elsewhere.
Throw in exciting prospects Zac Alderton, Nathan Rachele, Luke Whyte and multiple other young guns and the recipe is there for a balanced outfit.
“We have got a good blend and mix of experience,” Hawke said.
“We have those group of boys from the 18s a few years ago who are now 20-21 and are that little bit older and stronger.
“And then we have the returning guys like BJ, Tom and Jessie who add that important experience. It's an exciting time.”
The Saints have their own big name recruits, with Callum Crisp, Tom Bennett and Pallpratt's brother Zach returning to their old jumper.
“We have about seven or eight new faces at the club from the 2019 side, so we will be different to what people remember and we will play different as well,” Pallpratt said.
“Fellas like Cal, Tom and Zach are a real boost and bring in plenty of leadership to the side.
“The group is excited and pumped to get out and play, there has been a real buzz around training in recent weeks.”
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