The delays have put preparations back and coach Brian Hastings has had to rethink conditioning strategies.

"The Silver Boot loss to Brisbane Strikers exposed our lack of fitness and we will be working hard to play catch-up," Hastings said.

"The boys have responded well to my philosophies and are starting to believe that they will work. I am expecting us to play an attractive brand of football and hope to create more opportunities for ourselves to reach our goals."

Key players from last year, including the highly rated Grant Marshall, have now confirmed sign-on, and have created a finely balanced squad combining experience and youth.

Both Hastings and reserves coach Keith Byrne have attracted a number of top youngsters who will benefit from playing with quality seniors such as Geoff Hurford, Joel Drewek, and Sean Curtis.

With the Sherwood brothers Jake and Josh now recovered from injury, they will have a major part to play, and Greg Warden is again showing his quality.

The midfield will be controlled by Marshall and Scott Sargent, who shows no sign of his season lay-off when he concluded his university studies.

Sargent was one of the most highly rated players in his time here, and his return is expected to give the Bulldogs an extra edge in what will be a challenging season.

Keeper Jono Burrowes is settling in well, and the work-out will give him the opportunity to create more communication with his back line.

Antony Schiavo is tipped to be one of the top scorers when fixtures begin, and the game will be used to try out a number of strategies which have been developed.

Broadbeach is a long-standing success story in Gold Coast football, with an imposing record in recent years.

Kick-offs are 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm.