The midfielder has been appointed captain for the Reds' campaign in National Premier League Victoria 1, which begins with a home clash against Sunshine George Cross on Saturday night.

Sunshine finished ninth in NPLV1 last season after winning 10 and drawing five of its 26 matches, while Ballarat was relegated from the NPLV's top tier.

Romein, who will play alongside brothers Aaron and Josh this season, will be assisted in his role by vice-captain Daniel Firth.

Ballarat heads into Saturday night's season-opener on the back of some strong pre-season form, which includes wins over Box Hill United and Dandenong Thunder, and draws against Bulleen Lions, Moreland Zebras and a combined Ballarat and District Soccer Association all-star team in the inaugural Friendship Cup.

Reds coach James Robinson says Ballarat enters a new season wiser on and off the pitch for the experiences of 2014.

"We had a disappointing end to the season, but we learnt a lot.

"Ït's a fresh season and we're out to make a big statement.

"We're looking forward to it," Robinson said.

He said while there had been significant player movement on the off-season, the core of the squad had been retained to ensure continuity.

Robinson said just as there was last season in the first year of the NPLV, Ballarat was again facing an unknown quantity in a new competition.

"Ït'll be a different type of football and it will be matter of fine tuning as we go along."

Robinson said he had been pleased with the Reds' pre-season, but now it was time to get down to business - down to the business of getting points and capitalising on what will be nine home games in the opening 11 rounds.

He said spectators could expect to see an attacking brand of football from the Reds.

IN SUMMARY

NPLV1

Round 1

Ballarat v Sunshine George Cross

at Morshead Park

Saturday, 7.15pm