The reigning premiers will begin their title defence when they host O'Connor Knights SC at Gissing Oval.

It has been a promising preparation from the Wanderers despite a heavy turnover of players from last year's all-conquering team. Wagga City has played five games leading into Saturday afternoon's season opener for just the one loss.

Leonard is heading into the season with realistic expectations and wants the Wanderers to be again pushing for a finals spot.

"Obviously being premiers we're going to get hunted of course but our turnover has been huge and we've lost a lot of experience and high quality players," Leonard said.

"It's obviously going to be tough but we're a proud playing group and the guys coming in, we know a lot of those guys, and we're still a tightknit group. What I love about the club is the culture is very good. That is important to me as a coach.

"We'll still come in with high expectations but we'll also be realistic. The other clubs have forked out big money on recruits so we'll be up against it. But we want to push for finals and think that is a realistic goal."

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The Wanderers won't be at full-strength for Saturday with experienced defender Ben Mavor in doubt with a hamstring injury. Promising right back Kyle Yeates is unavailable, while goalkeeper, and captain, Rob Fry is racing the clock to be fit for round one.

O'Connor only just missed finals last year and have recruited strongly this year so Leonard expects a strong first-up challenge.

"They are always a solid group and it's been a bit tit for tat when playing them. We win one then they win one and I don't see it being any different," he said.

"It should be a tight contest, we'll have the advantage of playing at home and we expect to get off to a good start. They have recruited really well but we're a proud group and we're not going to dodge that."

Leonard said it is important to bank wins at home ahead of a very competitive season.

"We're looking to get off to a positive start," he said.

"Banking points are going to be extremely important, especially at home."

Fry will again captain the Wanderers this season, with Shaun Moffat filling the role during his recent absence.

Kick-off in the Wanderers' first grade fixture is scheduled for 2.15pm.

INS: Alvaro Kelechi, James Thomson, Jake Ploenges, Brad Yeomans (Henwood Park), Ben Mavor (Lake Albert), Dylan Piper-Bye (Tumut)

OUTS: OUTS: Matt Menser (Henwood Park), Carl Pideski (retirement), Dylan Berkrey, William Shuttleworth, Zach Pinney, Ano Matowe (moved), Isaac Brooker, Elijah Brooker (Ballarat City FC), Tyler Allen (injury), Sam Jones (Australian rules)

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