Bathurst City look to make strong account of themselves in opening women's Premier League Hockey match

However, you shouldn't mistake that for any lack of winning desire.

Even in an opening round game a derby fixture can lift a team's hockey to a new level as bragging rights go on the line.

City coach Jill Long said enthusiasm isn't something in short supply after her side have gone through a lengthy COVID-induced wait to get the season underway.

"It's lovely to have hockey back. The girls are ready. No matter how the game goes, they're ready to play and they're dying to get out there," she said.

"With the first game we'll see how we go, but we're not under any illusion for how we'll go. It's been so long inbetween.

"There's few expectations. We'll see what comes."

Souths got the edge on City last season and have bolstered their side for this year's disrupted season.

But City have plenty of talent throughout their squad as well, and are welcoming back both Kelsey Willott and Brooke McFadden into the squad to give the team valuable experience.

A strong senior core group will still be leading the way for City who are hungry to get back into post-season hockey after having their lengthy finals streak brought to an end in 2019.

"I think we've got a well rounded team this year and we've got a couple of players coming into the team," Long said.

"It's great that we've got some of the older players coming back while bringing up some of the younger ones as well. We'll have players like Kelly Baker, Bec Bosianek and Kelsey Willott leading out there.

"How they all player alongside each other with no pre-season game will be interesting to see, because even I don't know that myself.

"We always have a great rivalry with Souths and one of those games you never know how it's going to go, but you know it's going to be tough."

Bathurst City gets their season started against Souths from 2.15pm on Bob Roach Field.