Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes proved far too good in a trial at Mangoplah Sportsground on Saturday, but new Saints coach Cayden Winter thought there were plenty of positive signs heading into the Farrer League season.

"They were good but we were good too and there is a lot to like," Winter said.

"I'm definitely not disappointed with how we went and we did everything I asked of them so I can't complain.

"It was pretty good and it will just take a bit of time to gel with a few new blokes."

Considering the interrupted preparation, Winter was pleased with his side's fitness, as well as that of the Goannas.

Nathan Dennis also kicked three goals in the seven-goal loss.

Annett was one of new faces who pleased the rookie coach after linking with the club from Lavington after the Ovens and Murray competition was abandoned.

With the Saints luring junior Lachie Gaffney back to the club for the shortened 2020 season, he's brought a number of Panthers teammates with him.

Annett, who played eight senior games for the Panthers in their premiership season, and Sam Herzich are the only two to play first grade last year.

With Connor Clayton and Chris Volkov also on board Winter believes the new additions can help cover the large player turnover following the club's breakthrough premiership.

"We always give Lachie Gaffney a phone call each year to see where he is at with his uni and if he is coming back to Wagga," he said.

"This year when the COVID come about and the O and M fell through he thought it would be a good opportunity to come back to the club and he's bringing some mates so it's even better."

North Wagga have lost nine players from the side who downed East Wagga-Kooringal in last year's grand final.

They've lost Lachie Steward and Jimmy Morris to retirement, Jake May, Jed Winter and Tom Bennetts (moved away) while Guy Ward (Osborne) and Brayden Skeers (Henty) had linked with Hume League clubs.

"Having these boys come over will just top us up a bit," Winter said.

"It's definitely helped our team a lot, they will help the young fellas develop, which is good, and will help myself as well."

North Wagga are now focusing on the start of their premiership defence against Northern Jets at McPherson Oval on July 18.

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The Jets have been one of the big late movers and Winter believes the influx of talent will only be good for the competition.

"It will be a good challenge to see where we are at (against the Jets) that's for sure," he said.

"I think it is good for the competition that these good players have come in. It is only going to make the spectacle better and help the players in our league develop to be better players.

"It should be good."

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