This question — or at least a portion of it — will be answered on Saturday when the Bears head out for a blockbuster encounter with Picola United on its back paddock.
Champing at the bit to reenter the competition it dominated throughout the mid 2010s, Tungamah coach Xavier Stevenson relished the new beginning after the side's brief, but frustrating, Murray league stint.
“It's a fresh start for us. It's exciting to be back in there; as a whole club we should be far more competitive,” Stevenson said.
“As a footy team, we've been a fairly successful side in the league and won premierships, so we want to make sure when we arrive back, we're placing ourselves in the best possible position to do so.”
Picola United won't roll over for the newcomers.
The Blues have outsourced a swag of talent, including the signing of playing coach Darby Walsh from Shepparton Swans, and will need to hit the ground running if they want to feature throughout September's finals.
● Blighty is set for a steely opener on home soil.
Premiership runner-up Waaia rolls into town, bringing a side akin to what almost delivered the unthinkable in 2019.
The Bombers have lost gun Mitch Cleeland, but have gone like-for-like by bringing in Ash Holland from Shepparton.
Adversely, the Redeyes have lost numbers, but will be spurred on by new leader Brad Haines, who brings with him a body of coaching nous.
● Rennie crosses state lines to take on a supercharged Katamatite outfit.
Though the Hoppers starred in 2019, their list has since diminished in size and strength, leaving coach Craig Ednie the responsibility of backing up their recent third-placed finish with a slighter squad.
His first assignment is far from simple.
With ex-AFL juggernauts Sam Wright and Joel Tippett possible starting options for the Tigers, Katamatite Recreation Reserve will be rocking, regardless of the side Jedd Wright and Tom Buzza elect to take to put on the park on Saturday.
● Strathmerton initiates its premiership defence with a trip to Katunga.
Minimalising the off-season damage and bringing in genuine Goulburn Valley League talent has the Bulldogs poised for another dazzling campaign — meaning the hosts will be up against it in game one.
But remaining competitive in 2021 is a prime factor Katunga mentor Damien Kennedy has stressed.
If his youthful band of Swans can impress against the reigning premier, there’s no telling what could lie ahead.
● Deniliquin Rovers welcome an unknown entity to Memorial Park on Saturday.
Fresh from the Murray league, Katandra arrives after two seasons away and boasts a formidable roster.
On the other hand, the Rovers were a bolt from the blue in 2019, and will look to make a home at the top end of the table by sending a message at the weekend.
● A seasoned Yarroweyah contingent welcomes Berrigan across the border.
Keegan Oliver’s Hoppers wield a similar threat to a decade ago with many familiar bodies from its 2010 grand final squad hitting the park.
Meanwhile, the Saints will hope for recruits — namely James Hazelman and Tim McAuley — to turn up after the hefty footballing drought.
● Mathoura hits the road to face fellow 2019 mid-table occupant Jerilderie.
The host will rely on its premiership winning thirds nucleus to kick the season off with a bang, while the Timbercutters aim to start their trek towards back-to-back top eight finishes with a win.
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