The club trip provided a great team-building opportunity, but also an environment for some home truths to be discussed on the eve of the season.

One of which was Ballarat’s tendency to start the season slowly and be forced to play catch-up for the remainder – it will be doing everything it can to make sure that is not the case this time around.

The numbers back those thoughts up.

Over the past four seasons, City has won just six matches across the opening six rounds, six wins, with a sprinkling of draws, from 24 outings.

And coach Danny Gnjidic believes a purpose-picked pre-season program has given it the best opportunity to make a positive start to the season – which begins against Moreland Zebras on Saturday night.

“One of the common themes that came up was as a team we, even Ballarat Red Devils, are notorious for our slow starts to the league season,” Gnjidic said.

“We have to make sure we start the season the best we possibly can.”

“So the way we ran our pre-season program and the opponents we played in the lead-up was specific and strategic – difficult games, that would get them match-hardened.

“We’ve given ourselves the best chance to make a good start.”

After the Christmas break Gnjidic felt his group was behind the eight-ball in its preparations but the last four weeks has seen it build plenty of momentum.

“They have (responded).

“The last three or four weeks, we’ve built a bit of momentum going into the season.

“We go in with some confidence – and that wasn’t looking likely a month ago.”

Michael Trigger will make his return to the side after a brief stint with National Premier League club Heidelberg United – he will add class up front.

Kick-off is at 6pm.