It's been a similar gap in action for midfielder Chris Fayers, who was given the Magpies' blessings late in the 2018 season to further his career overseas but finds himself back in Australia courtesy of a COVID-19 suspension of the Malaysia football competition

The two players step up their preparation for season 2020 when the Magpies take on Adamstown in a trial match at Cooks Square Park this Sunday. It's the Magpies first game since March and the only trial before the start of the 13-round relaunched NPL season.

While COVID-19 ended Fayers' stint playing in Malaysia, it added another frustrating four months to Comerford's long wait to return to action from a knee injury suffered in round 15, 2018, against Valentine.

Comerford's commitment to the Magpies and his teammates never wavered as he stood on the sidelines supporting their most successful NPL campaign and their amazing FFA Cup run which ended against the Central Coast Mariners in front of 4500 people at the Maitland Sportsground.

Midfielder Fayers and forward Comerford will be joined by key off-season signings, star striker Braedyn Crowley and defender Joey O'Connor (Jets Youth), in Maitland's premiership title defence and quest to make it a double by winning the grand final after losing the 2019 decider to Edgeworth.

The Mapgies kick off their campaign proper in a grand final rematch against Edgeworth at Jack McLauchlan Oval. It's the first of a 13-game season, which will be followed by a four-week top-five final series.

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Departures from last season include Matt Thompson, Ryan Clarke and Alex Read, but the Magpies are expected to be firmly in the race to defend their premiership title and claim a first double.

"I know the players have been chomping at the bit to get out there and they are all looking forward to the first trial game next weekend," Magpies coach Mick Bolch said.

"Chrissy Fayer is back with us and like all the boys is keen to get back into it. He was playing in Malaysia but obviously with everything that went on he had to come home and with travel restrictions he is staying here this season.

"He has been training with us for the last three weeks and been training the house down. It's good competition in the midfield now with the two Swan boys, Cowby (Nick Cowburn) and Chrissy Fayers. He is a welcome addition.

"Up forward with Joel Woods, Braedyn Crowley, Cummo (Matt Comerford) and Jimmy (Thompson) it's looking good. There's plenty of competition for the forward spots. Jimmy Thompson has been really starring since we came back into training."

The Weston Bears host Valentine in a trial match on Sunday.

They host Newcastle Olympic in the season opener on on Sunday, July 12.