With grand finalists in the last three years, Gundagai and Southcity, having similar sides again in 2019 and some clubs who were just below them adding in some new faces the competition is looking tighter than ever.

The Daily Advertiser sports reporter Courtney Rees casts her eye over what lies ahead.

Coach: Adrian Purtell (second season)

Last season: Seventh

Gains: Brad Nicholson, Luke Ingram, Sabastian Rapana, James Girdler

Losses: Shannon Rupapere, Joe Silafau, Joel Monaghan

What the coach says: Been a pretty good pre-season. Looking forward to the start of the competition which should be tight as lot of teams have strengthened.

What we say: Albury were probably one of the bigger underachievers last season with so many tight losses really hurting them. The Thunder thrashed eventual premiers Gundagai in the final round of the season but eight defeats by 10 points or less is what needs to change. They've brought in more exciting talent and the players who came in under Adrian Purtell have now had a season together. Shapes as a better season on the border. 

PREDICTION: Fifth

Coach: Peter Little (first season)

Last season: Third

Gains: Nick Hay, Dylan McLachlan, Tyson McLachlan, Riley Flint, Jackson Newling, Ben Schreiber 

Losses: Ed Ansell, Will Merritt

What the coach says: I'm excited. We're very young, which I like, and very enthusiastic. Now if we have a few blokes go down we have replacements who can do they job. We fell away in the back end due to injury and a lot of this year was to have a big squad.

What we say: One of the most exciting seasons in a decade for the Wagga club fizzled with plenty of injury concerns late last year. They've lost coach Terry Westblade, who helped transform them in his short time at the club, but signs are good they can continue the upward trend. They've added more depth, especially in their playmaking ranks and their young forwards will only get better with more experience. Strong title contender.

PREDICTION: Fourth

Coach: Chris Maher and Matt Forsyth (first season)

Last season: Fifth

Gains: James Woolford, Romann Leota, Euston Leota

Losses: Glen Buttriss, Jarrod Brackenhofer, Jake Goodwin, Haydn Cowled, Jeremy Wood, Aaron Duncan

What the coach says: (Chris Maher) We could be a bit stronger but I still think we will go alright. We have a few local fells who have all been there before so if we stick at it we shouldn't go too bad. We're aiming for mid pack.

What we say: A big recruitment splurge under returning coach Glen Buttriss was a big boost to the Bulldogs last season but it's almost back to square one this time around. Most of their new faces, including the former Raiders player and best and fairest winner Jake Goodwin, have departed leaving some massive holes in the side. There are some promising youngsters coming through and some new faces but it could be another tough season for the club.

PREDICTION: Ninth

Coach: Adam Perry (first season)

Last season: Premiers

Gains: Mathew Lyons, Troy Barby

Losses: James Curgenven, Matt Henery

What the coach says: I think we've had a good pre-season, have a fairly strong side so it will be a matter of putting into practice what we have trained for and you need to get a bit of luck with injuries.

What we say: Played their best footy at the right time of the season and their hasn't been much turnover from their premiership side. The Tigers are never far from the mark but now they will be the hunted with a side that is ageing. However the addition of Mathew Lyons will be a great cover for James Smart's early-season move to the US and he can add a real spark to help make the Tigers one of the teams to beat once more.

PREDICTION: Third

Coach: Trent Schubach (first season)

Last season: Fourth

Gains: Tristan Dickson, Etuate Tagicakibau Bola, Will Merritt, Dakota Ruta, Shawnray Pafalani, Ritchie Herangi

Losses: Joe Eichner, Timoci Vatubuli

What the coach says: We're slowly building into it. Getting everyone on board and a full strength side is our biggest thing at the moment. We might we a bit under strength for the first few weeks but once we get a full side we should be pretty strong.

What we say: Junee were one of the surprise packets last season as they snuck into fourth place. Their finals performance wasn't one to write home about and on paper the Diesels look to be a lot stronger this time around. However there has been a surprise change of coach and with a less than ideal pre-season filled with injury concerns it's hard to be too confident about their chances early. Will push to fill a finals position.

PREDICTION: Seventh

Coach: Glenn Dumbrell (first season)

Last season: Eighth

Gains: Glenn Dumbrell, Troy Dumbrell, Timoci Vatubuli

Losses: Ben Jeffery, Dylan McLachlan, Tyson McLachlan, Tristan Dickson, Troy Barby, James Whiteley

What the coach says: I think we will be fairly competitive throughout the year. We've got a fairly experienced forward pack which will help us and very keen youngsters who have been very willing at training and have put a big pre-season in.

What we say: It's dawns as the start of a new era for Kangaroos. There has been plenty of changes over the off-season with some of their best attacking players departing but Glenn Dumbrell returning to the club as coach. He will really spark their attack but depth could be a real issue, especially in their spine. Shapes as a rebuilding year for the Wagga club unless their late potential new players deliver a real punch.

PREDICTION: Eighth

Coach: Kyle McCarthy (second season)

Last season: Grand finalists

Gains: Nil

Losses: Jordan Shepherd

What the coach says: It's a good time for a transition and changing of the guard with the young blokes coming in but it is all positive and probably what I'm most excited about. Hopefully we are making the future look bright.

What we say: The Bulls were the most consistent side throughout the year but just didn't fire on grand final day. This time around they will be hungrier for success and have a new generation of players looking to leave their mark. Jordan Shepherd will be a loss and with Hayden Jeans not expected to play every week their engine room has taken a hit but their back line is electric and they will be hard to beat again this season.

PREDICTION: Premiers

Coach: Sam Elwin (second season)

Last season: Last

Gains: Jarrod Lee, Blake Appo, Rory Block, Zach Starr, Paul Feguson, Danny Tevita

Losses: Hayden Philp

What the coach says: I like how we are shaping up at the moment. We are still a very local side with a few minor tweaks but I've been very impressed with the players who have come back to the club, the senior players have given me a massive hand and if we don't surprise a few people this year then we never will.

What we say: The Dragons pushed sides last year but need to do so more consistently if they are going to work their way back up the ladder. The loss of Hayden Philp is also a massive blow. He was the leader of the pack with strong finishes in the Weissel Medal count in the past two seasons and leaves a big void to be filled by a young Temora side. Expect it will be another tough season for the club.

PREDICTION: Last

Coach: Dean Bristow and Adam Pearce (second season)

Last season: Sixth

Gains: Lachlan Bristow, Jed Pearce, Ben Warner, Tom Warner, Jacob Toppin

Losses: Sandy Rae, Jacob Sturt

What the coach says: (Adam Pearce) We're hoping to play finals. We'll be competitive with all the other teams.

What we say: The Blues have made big gains in a forward pack that already features Weissel Medal winner Zac Masters and Adam Pearce. Weren't consistent enough to make finals last season but have recruited well and have plenty of young talent coming through. One concern is how their back line can step up against the experience of Southcity and Gundagai but the buzz is back in the hills. Should be a real premiership threat.

PREDICTION: Second

Coach: Roy Jewitt (first season)

Last season: Ninth

Gains: Haydn Cowled, Jayke Hogan, Boro Navari, Blake Hewitt, Sam Langford

Losses: James Woolford, Bobby Roberts

What the coach says: We want to make the finals and that is our main goal. Our early goal is to get off to a good start and just build some momentum from there. Hopefully we will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

What we say: The 'Pickers misfired badly last season and only just avoided the wooden spoon. They performed much better than that in 2017 and still have the bulk of that side. New coach Roy Jewitt could be just what the club needs with plenty of forward power in their ranks. However a query over their playmaking options could hurt as they look to bounce back and push to make finals once more. The big improver.

PREDICTION: Sixth