The Roos will begin the season at home (O’Connor Park) on Saturday, April 22 against the Batemans Bay Seahawks.

Head coach Terry Lemon said the players and coaching staff had a good offseason to prepare, which also included roster changes.

“We’ve lost some experience due to retirement, including Toby Serafin, so there’s about half a dozen changes compared with the team last year,” Lemon said.

The coach, however, is looking to the positives and the changes as a chance for the club to re-energise.

“We picked up a few young blokes this year and I’m sure it’ll put us in good step. A lot of the young blokes have already had a full senior year,” he said. “We’ll be competitive. We’re not out there to set the world alight, but we'll give it a go.”

Asked about the changes affecting team harmony, he said he had no concerns about it, citing the team’s success at the fifth annual Bateman Bays Hawkes Cup in late March 2017.

“We took them to play in the Hawks Cup this year and they made it to the grand final. We tried out a few different positions and hit the ground running,” Lemon said.

“We played teams above our grade and beat them. The young blokes and new recruit played well.”

Looking at the first game of the season, the coach said the team is prepared and a home game in round one is ideal.

“We’re blessed with having the first round at home. I’ve got every confidence in the boys so we’ll hopefully come out on the right side,” he said.

The Roos train Wednesday nights at O’Connor Park.

The season will include Goulburn Swans, Southern Cats, Tuggeranong Hawks, Ainslie Tricolours, Belconnen Magpies, ADFA/RMC Rams, Googong Hogs, Batemans Bay Seahawks, Molonglo Juggernauts, Woden Blues and ANU Griffins. A top six will comprise the final series.

Home games will be played at O’Connor Park.