The Saints kick off their 2020 season against Cardiff Hawks at Pasterfield Sports Complex on Saturday.

Ruckman/key forward Ogle has played for Australian Army and has moved to the Hunter from Queensland where he played in the QFL.

Key defender Short is in the air force and has played some pretty high quality footy in country Victorian competitions.

"A big ruckman/key forward is definitely something we needed. Brenton fills a big gap there and will be a top quality player in the comp," Saints co-coach Dustin Spriggs said.

Ogle will be away for the first two games of the 12-round season, but Spriggs is confident the big ruckman and Short will help the Saints return to finals in 2020.

"We've definitely come along this pre-season, all of the young guys are getting better and better," Spriggs said.

"We're definitely raring to go, we've had 35-40 blokes at training every night, everyone is keen."

The Saints will also call on some newcomers to AFL, but are happy they have the sporting credentials to make the transition.

"We've got a few guys playing for the first time including former junior Australian hockey representative Pat Magann. He looks like he will be a handy pick up," Spriggs said.

"We have also picked up a couple of the Pickers boys. A young fellow called Josh Hutchinson ... he looks like he will be probably ready to go round one in first grade. He will be a real quick, lively, small forward."

Fully fit former best and fairest winners Pat McMahon and Mitch Greaves, along with 2019 best and fairest runner up Sam Jordan, have been earmarked for a red-hot halfback line.

"I don't think there will be many stronger halfback lines in the competition, we will definitely be looking to attack from there," Spriggs said.

New vice-captain Dylan Bennett is another of the highly talented Maitland juniors coming through. He has progressed to be able to contest the ball with big forwards and will be backed up by Short and Nick McMahon.

Captain Riley Newstead is a young Saint with an old-head and, at just 20, has four years experience in the midfield. Newstead will lead the way with Aiden Damico and Colin Carroll in the starting rotation along with under-17 graduate Wally Pankhurst. Bailey and Kaiden Ritchie are also expected to spend time in the midfield.

Hugh Matheson, back-up ruckman Tom Grimmer and Ogle will be key targets with Pankhurst and Jack Ellis among small forward options.

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