"They're an extremely good group of kids. We worked last year on the five 'R's with them: respect for themselves, respect for their teammates, respect for the opposition, respect for the umpires and respect for women," Casley said.

"They took it on board. They're a hard team but they're fair and they're a good bunch of kids. I couldn't fault them."

They went well on the field too, finishing runners-up behind Turvey Park. The Saints lost to the Bulldogs first up this year but have had two wins since, including a 10.6 (66) to 5.3 (33) win against Coolamon on Sunday.

"We lost the first quarter against Coolamon but came back pretty strong," Casley said.

"It's a good mix of kids. We've got a few leaguies converted over and are about half-and-half really."

Coolamon kicked three first quarter goals to lead by 12 at the first break, but North Wagga held them to just two more goals for the game. The Saints had 15 scoring shots to five after quarter-time.

Some of their new faces are shining. Former soccer player Thomas Clarke was their best on the weekend with his run and willingness to get over the ball.

The versatile Rowan Hoare, swung forward this year, has been strong while Jackson Connolly sounds like a player to watch.

"He's probably one of the best players in our team but doesn't get the credit for how much running he does. No-one can man up on him. He's one of these unbelievably smart footballers who loses his player every time."

League convert Matt Murphy kicked four goals against the Hoppers and is enjoying his second season in the sport, particularly after a move to full-forward.

Casley has high hopes his team can match the premiers if and when they meet in finals this year but is also wary of a big improver in the age group.

"I think we've got their (Turvey Park's) measure this year. We're a different type of team - they're very skilled, and good overhead and have had a good group the whole time. We're more of a hard-ball team, we like the nitty-gritty stuff ... we're not overly skilled," he said.

"Eastlakes will be one of our big challenges. That'll be an interesting game that one, to see where we're at with them.

"But all the teams and all the coaches, I couldn't speak highly enough of them. It's a really good comp to be in. Everyone's on the same level, we just want good footy and a bit of fun for the kids."

Coolamon were convincing winners against North Wagga in the Under 13s, bouncing back from their first loss the previous week, to Eastlakes.

Saints' promising Under 14s also had a good win, beating Wagga Swans by two goals.

North Wagga's 15s lost a couple of players early in the year due to the long coronavirus delay and short season but Casley believes the club is in great shape.

"It's such a good club, it's really picked up it's socks and is very community-minded," he said, mentining the efforts of president Brendan Nilsen, his predecessor Mick Barnes and commiteeman Gary Crouch.

"They've done a really good job of bringing the juniors and seniors together. It's a good place to be, for sure."