The Griffith Swans will start their 2019 Riverina Football League season with a huge test when they take on Collingullie Glenfield Park in the grand final rematch at Crossroads Oval on Saturday.
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Swans coach Will Griggs is looking forward to the challenge on Saturday.
"It has been a long time coming," he said.
"It will be a good indicator to see where we are after preseason."
It will be a good indicator to see where we are after preseason
- Swans coach Will Griggs
The Swans only had one preseason game against Queanbeyan, but Griggs feels preseason gone well.
"It has been a bit different to recent years because previously we had played a couple of Farrer League teams in the lead-up," he said.
"We came up against a pretty fit team (Queanbeyan) which showed us what we needed to improve on heading into round one."
The Swans made a strong start to last season, and Griggs is hoping to make a similar start and continue to build over the season.
"We started well last season but maybe a bit too well," he said.
"We want to build throughout the season. Teams around us probably started to catch up to us late in the season, and it came back to hurt us I think."
The Swans will be heading into the first game of the season with pretty much a full-strength squad.
"We will be coming in with a pretty strong side," he said.
"Lucas Conlan will be out with Giants duty, but apart from that we are in a good position."
Conlan will be lining up for the under 18s Giants side who are taking on Northern Knights in Sandringham in the fourth round of the under 18s NAB League.
While the Demons have lost some big names heading into the season, Griggs knows they will still be a tough opponent.
"It's still an important game for both sides," he said.
"All they have to do is make finals, and they can pull it together over the last few weeks.
"Whether they are the best team or not they will still be a tough test."
First bounce in Collingullie is set for 2.10pm on Saturday.