North Wagga are set for a match-fee-free season with their players agreeing to play for nothing.

Club president Brendan Nilsen said the club couldn't be more proud of the commitment.

"I can't tell you how proud all our members are, young and old, of the boys," Nilsen said.

"They are giving up payments without hesitation to secure a future for our club.

"I love being a North Wagga Saint."

Coach Cayden Winter is in his first season at the helm but had no problems getting the players to buy-in, so to speak.

"It's a no-brainer for us. I rang the boys and no-one shirked the issue at all. Everyone was on-board with no dramas," Winter said.

"I wasn't nervous about making the phone calls and a few of them even said, 'Why are you even ringing me?'

"We're mostly juniors and locals and when the club's in a tough time everyone was only too happy to help out."

North Wagga have pointed out that they're sponsored by pubs and small family businesses and they're well aware of the coronavirus impact on their community.

But the gesture of the players, and news that a season should go ahead from July 18, will give the premiers a chance to defend their title.

Winter said last year's grand final, and a culture created under his predecessor Kirk Hamblin, laid the platform for a selfless decision.

"I think it goes to show the love the boys have for the club and the friendships here, things that Kirky helped put in place," Winter said.

"And when you win a flag together, there's that mateship - you're bonded for life - and we want to help the club out."

The Saints will look different though, having lost Lachie Steward and Jimmy Morris to retirement, Jake May, Jed Winter and Tom Bennetts (moved away) and Guy Ward and Brayden Skeers (signed with Hume League clubs).

Last week's draft draw has the Saints pencilled in to start their season away to the Northern Jets on July 18.

With a bye in round two, their first home game could be timely for the unfurling of the flag - against grand final opponents East Wagga-Kooringal in round three on August 1.

Training extended to groups of up to 20 this week. Winter said in the early stages of their second go at a pre-season, they won't go over the top, but are looking forward to a season if all goes according to the AFL Riverina plan.

"They've put a date down now so that's something to aim for," he said.

"It's been good numbers at training and we'll start getting back into two nights a week now. The keenness of the boys has been really exciting.

"Groups of 10 (for training) did make it hard but it will ramp up now. I won't go too hard too early, we'll ease into it, but hopefully we'll be in good shape."