Five of the eight clubs were represented at the AFL Riverina season launch at The Rules Club on Wednesday.

The representatives were split on North Wagga and Marrar as the team to beat for the premiership, with the season starting on Saturday.

“It’s hard to go past Marrar. They haven’t lost too many and have picked up Brad (Langtry),” Northern Jets coach Mitch Robinson said.

“I think North Wagga will give it a big push this year as well. They haven’t lost many and have added some premiership experience in there so I’ll go North Wagga.”

New East Wagga-Kooringal coach Matt Hard was another that could not split the Saints and Bombers.

“Obviously North Wagga from all reports have recruited quite well and weren’t too far away last year,” Hard said.

“Obviously Marrar are reigning premiers and will be tough to beat as well so it will probably be out of them two at this stage.”

The clubs did agree on one thing, that Northern Jets will climb the ladder in 2018. The Jets missed finals last year but have recruited well over the off-season.

“I know they’ve lost Sam Fisher, who is a great player, but they have recruited pretty good numbers,” North Wagga coach Kirk Hamblin said.

“I think they’re going to be the big improvers.”

Northern Jets captain Mitch Haddrill was the most popular choice for the Gerald Clear Medal, as he attempts to go back-to-back.

East Wagga-Kooringal ruckman Nick Hull, North Wagga gun Lachlan Highfield and Marrar recruit Brad Langtry were also selected as Clear Medal winners.