Former Victorian players Michael Klinger and Allan Wise have a chance to inflict some pain on their old team when the Redbacks tackle the Bushrangers in a Ford Ranger Cup match at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
The duo joined the South Australian side during the off-season and their new captain Graham Manou says confronting their past team-mates in the first match is a positive.
"I think psychologically as an athlete that's what you'd prefer. To come up against your old side can be a good thing and a bad thing - you know what they are going to deliver to you and because you know that, you might pre-empt some things," Manou said.
"Michael Klinger had a hit-out against them in Maroochydore and did quite well and Allan Wise I'm sure is jumping out of his skin for that opportunity."
Klinger, who's made his name as a limited overs player, is set to get more opportunities from a developing Redbacks line-up. He's been named in South Australia's Sheffield Shield squad, which will play Victoria next week, and will be relied upon to make an impact.
But Manou said Klinger's contribution was no more or less important than the rest of the players in the team.
"I think it's only the pressure that he may place on himself, there's a reason why the selection group and the coach decided to get him over here because they knew he could do a job and possibly push for Australia one day which is most of the group's goal," he said.
"There's no added pressure compared to the other 12 guys that will line-up."
The South Australian wicketkeeper added all of the team's recruits, including New South Welshman Aaron O'Brien, had added some enthusiasm to a squad that's has had limited success in recent seasons.
"Yeah look, they've brought in a fresh new approach and the guys that have been around for quite awhile have fed off that approach," he said.
And he said some stability at Adelaide Oval should also help the side's cause.
"I think that our coaching group has been around together for 12 months, has had the opportunity to work over two winters with the playing group and are really understanding their games," he said.
"I think that has taken a lot of the guys to another level and hopefully we can see some of the results on Sunday."
Every team's preseason looks rosy however, and South Australia is fully aware they've got to produce results this summer. Manou is hopeful his new-look line-up will hit the ground running.
"We've spoken about it all preseason, that we need to earn some respect back, and no better time than on day one," he said.
"The only way we can gain respect back is by pushing teams and getting some 'W's' in the columns alongside the games and we understand that's been an issue in the past and we are looking to rectify that Sunday."