McDermott, a multiple Blues best-and-fairest winner, lived up to expectations in his first game as they powered to a big win over Wahgunyah at Gumly last weekend.

"It was good, all our new recruits went really well and our young fellas were good as well," North Wagga coach Cayden Winter said.

The Saints went in without eight or 10 players likely to be pushing for a senior spot but Winter still had a good look at their prospects against the Tallangatta and District League club.

"The two Keith boys (Sean and Ben) and Xav Lyons went really well and so did Dyl McDermott," Winter said.

McDermott has an incredibly consistent record at Cootamundra in Canberra's third grade competition. His playing records show that in 134 games, he was in their best 97 times. In the last three years, he was only out of the best nine times.

"He'll be going through the midfield. He's a hard, nuggety on-baller so he'll be good for us considering we've probably lost a couple of inside midfielders over the last year with Tommy Bennetts and Jake (May) going out so he'll fill a void there."

The Keiths and Lyons spent time in the midfield and the backline, while Ben Keith also had a stint across half-forward.

"They were pretty impressive to be honest," Winter said.

There was no formal score kept but the Saints were convincing winners, estimated at close to a 100-point margin in the late summer hit-out.

Returning Saints forward Daniel Jordan didn't waste any time reminding the club of his ability, getting airborne for a spectacular mark and kicking two goals in the first minute of the game.

Nathan Dennis also relished the return to football. After a knee reconstruction in 2019 cost him a part in their premiership success, he booted a casual six goals in the comfortable victory.

North Wagga will play Upper Murray club Cudgewa and then Turvey Park in two more pre-season hit-outs before the Farrer League kicks off on April 10.

The defending premiers are away to Temora first up, and then host East Wagga-Kooringal at McPherson Oval in a mouthwatering round two fixture on April 17.

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