The perennial men’s Premier League Hockey cellar dwellers kick off their battle to break into the top half of the competition tomorrow with a pre-season trial match against Burwood Briars.

Last year Wanderers coaches Andrew Redden and Beth Shea introduced a new system of play, and that combined with several new, experienced faces has the Orange side in good stead heading into the 2015 season.

But Shea said tomorrow’s game is crucial to determine just how far along her side really is.

“We’re a long, long way ahead of where we were at this point last year,” she said.

“We’re a lot fitter, and our technical play is far better. We’ve had the system in place now for 12 months, and this game is about reinforcing that system, and introducing it to the new players.

“We’re looking pretty good, and I think we’ll have a much better idea of where we are after today.”

Former Bloomfield star Keiran Gentles comes into Wanderers’ line-up this season after over half a decade with the Briars, but will be absent from today’s clash.

Redden, Shea and assistant coach Pete Shea are set to get their first look at one of the side’s other marquee pick ups, former Souths gun Matt Johnson.

“I think Matty will play a very fundamental role in our midfield,” Beth Shea said.

“I’ve seen plenty of him in the past, and he will add a lot of experience through the centre.”

She said today’s game is more about continuing the side’s development, and so far stellar preparation, than the result. However, she conceded Wanderers will be out to end the Sydney club’s run of three-straight trial victories in the now annual trial run between the two sides.

“We’ve had a good relationship with Burwood for some years now,” Shea said.

The clash also coincides with Orange Hockey’s sign-on day at the Orange Hockey Complex, which Shea implored anyone interested in the sport to attend.

“Anyone at all,” she said.

“There will be a barbecue running, and we’d love to see people come and have a look and maybe get involved with hockey.”

The Wanderers tackle the Briars from 11am on Sunday at the Orange Hockey Complex.