Coach Darrell Pascoe admitted the COVID-19 pandemic had forced a longer than normal pre-season, but he was looking forward to taking the reins of the club for a second-straight season.

"I just enjoy coaching; it's been a testing year already to be honest, but I enjoy working with the lads," he said.

"It's a shame we can't commit to any proper training until Thursday; we'll get one session in before we play."

Pascoe admitted an increase from four substitutes to five was an important initiative for the season.

"Having an extra one available is definitely going to be required," he said.

Rangers and Saints played in what Pascoe described as two of the best games of the season 12 months ago.

"MVR were a top side last year and the two games we played were the best two games of football I saw last year," he said.

"I thought our boys played near-perfect football in both games and I really enjoyed them."

The addition of former Wallis Lake striker Roan Whiteman will give Saints a target man up front, although they will field one of the youngest teams in the competition.

"Roan will be a valuable addition," Pascoe said.

"Captain Mikey Finlayson is always pretty slick on the ball and Josh Gardner looked like he hadn't lost anything at training on Tuesday along with Luke Townsend.

"I didn't think we could get a younger squad than last year, but we've got a younger team again so that'll be exciting to see what those young guys can do."

Saturday's match kicks off at 3pm at Findlay Park.

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