The Reds make their league debut against Keilor Wolves, which finished third last season, at Trekardo Park Park on Saturday.

Ballarat is stepping up from Ballarat District Soccer Association division one, where the club will continue to be represented.

Head coach Jamie Winton said Ballarat had had an ideal build-up with four FFA Cup ties.

"They were games with meaning. They've provided the best possible preparation."

He said he rotated up to 18 players through those games.

Winton said with something at stake the matches had given players a taste of what was to come.

He said the outings had given him a good lookk at his roster and would ensure he put the best best possible 11 on the park against Keilor.

Haidar Al Saffar, brothers Luke and Adam Swards will be recruits to watch early in the campaign.

The Swards have crossed from fellow state league team Sebastopol Vikings, while the experienced Al Saffar is in Ballarat completing medical studies.

Winton said playing the opening match at home, where they also made thgree appearances in the FFA Cup, was a bonus.

THE Vikings also kick off their season in state league three north-west on Saturday. 

They will be away to Lalor United.

Sebastopol was not far away from promotion last season, finishing fourth.

Lalor is an unknown, having been promoted after winning the division four north league championship last season - losing just one of 22 games and having three draws.