St Albans believes it has the depth to cover three key losses from its Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division side.
The Saints, who just missed out on finals last season, lost star bat Simon Lambert, former coach Rob Nikolic and wicketkeeper Andrew Hili in the off season.
Despite those losses, new coach Michael Else said they were confident in their side and what they could do this season with the rest of the side back for another tilt.
“We got in four new guys, a couple who have played for us before,” he said.
“We’re going to be okay. Simon is a fairly good player and has gone to a good cricket program. But we think we’ve replaced him with a few guys that we’ll still be competitive and aiming for a finals spot.”
Englishman Billy Whitford, who was at the club for the 2018-19 season, and Lilhan Dulshan, who was at the club the following season, are back for the Saints.
Else said Whitford had brought a couple of mates with him, with one of them playing in the first XI.
The Saints started the season with thrilling win against Deer Park, but as of Thursday, the result was under protest after a controversial run out to end the match.
For Else, who has been about the Saints for a number of years in a number of different roles, it has been a frustrating start to his time as senior coach.
“I started playing cricket when I was 12 and I’m now 56 and I’ve never seen anything like this before with the number of matches being called off,” he said of the start to the season.
“It’s been getting a bit frustrating. I play in our second XI and I haven’t played so far. Neither our seconds or thirds have gotten on this year due to ground shortages.
“It’s very problematic at the moment.”
The Saints beat the Druids on Saturday, in round two on Saturday after deadline.
Else said before the match he wasn’t sure whether the game would go ahead with the weather again not looking great and many grounds already struggling following rain.
The Druids will play at St Albans ground for a second straight week, having played their round one match with Keilor at the ground due to ground issues.
