After a mixed season of football for the Saints in 2016 the lineup – filled with both familiar and fresh faces – is hoping to take the club on to grand final glory.

Corey Averio is on board to captain-coach Pat’s first division fresh off his Group 10 New Era Cup-winning season with Villages United.

The returning Pat’s player had a major role in the breakthrough success for Villages and is hoping to bring some of that winning energy to the blue and white.

Saints’ reserve grade outfit made it to the preliminary final last season where they were knocked out by Orange CYMS.

Newly-elected Pat’s president David Chapman said it’s exciting to have Averio on board.

“Corey is looking really fit. The off season looks like it has been really kind to him,” he said.

“He seemed a bit apprehensive about taking on the role at first but he’s going to be excellent in the role.”

Mark ‘Chicka’ Booth will be the new under 18s coach.

The Pat’s under 18s side were the only team at the club to miss out on finals football last season.

Chapman is interested to see how the 18s season plays out with new juniors coming through the ranks and a new coach on board.

“’Chika’ is a really good footballer. He’s a former Group 10 and Western representative player,” he said.

"He’s worked with the Pat’s juniors before. He’ll bring a wealth of knowledge to this team.

“There’s a good group of guys hanging around from last year’s 18s squad. The under 16s from last year we have coming through are a successful group.

“There’s a good mix there to help us make a competitive team.”

Mick Armstrong will be back to coach the ladies league tag side.

The Saints tag team have never missed the preliminary final stage of the competition in its five years of existence and continually set the bar high for their season expectations.

With Armstrong back, and with a positive attitude among the team, Chapman sees no reason for those expectations to change.

“The things is about the girls, both on and off the field, they’re leading the club,” he said.

“Mick has high expectations for the team again having the bulk of the squad back again for this season.”

The announcement of the lower grade coaches comes shortly after the recent news that Kurt Hancock will be joined by Brady Cheshire and Daniel Finn in the premier league coaching role this season.

As of last week Saints training is back underway for all teams, continuing with last year’s Tuesday and Thursday schedule.