Fitter than he has been for a number of seasons – apart from a jar to his knee during yesterday’s photo shoot with the Mercury – Eddy will captain the team and is hoping to deliver his new son Flynn with a premiership medallion.

Eddy, who will be assistant coach to Steve Mitchell, said the club was brimming with confidence going into its first match of the year against Wyong Lakes.

“It’s a tall order straight up, but it will be a good measuring stick for us as Wyong have been a strong team for a number of years and one of the teams we have to match if we want to go all the way,” he said.

“I think we have every reason to aim for a top two or three finish. From there anything can happen.”

The Saints division one and two teams both play Wyong Lakes.

The Saints have had a good pre-season, which culminated with a solid 54-point win against Lake Macquarie in a trial game at Maitland Park two weeks ago.

While a number of their leading players, including Eddy did not play, there were signs that the work over the past two years has paid off.

Saints fans were especially pleased with the form of Jim Taranto, returning from a shoulder injury, who burst through packs and repeatedly sent the ball forward.

Taranto’s teaming with best mate Wade Beard, who was joint best and fairest winner last year, signalled real headaches for opposition teams.

The club has been particularly pleased with the pre-season performance of a number of their younger players who they expect will have a positive impact on the senior side. 

It has also been boosted by recruits Dean Notman, Matt Hogan and Dom Yaeger. 

Notman, from Adelaide, stood out in the trial game with good skills and running off the half-back flank.

But perhaps the biggest impact on the new season will be plans to play Eddy as a key forward for the majority of matches, with Adrian Hoffman, Mark Curran and Mitch Greaves rotating in the ruck.