THE South Burnett Saints will test their pre-season form against AFL Darling Downs competitors the Toowoomba Tigers at Fernvale on March 23.

It will be the first time two AFL Darling Downs teams have played against each other in the Brisbane Valley region.

According to Saints president Andrew Foley, both clubs will have something to prove, despite not playing for premiership points.

"In the men's competition, both teams finished outside the finals last year, so they will both be looking to show some improvement as they come into the season,” he said.

Despite strong numbers at pre-season training, it will be a challenge for the men's side with players still finishing their cricket commitments.

The women's team will be testing their form against the defending premiers and the team that has been the benchmark of the competition in recent seasons.

"We appreciate the Tigers giving us this opportunity and allowing us to see where we are at, and what we need to work on as the season goes on,” Foley said.

"It will be competitive footy in both games, and we hope to make a good account of ourselves”

For the Saints, playing in the Brisbane Valley has another purpose.

"The junior club that plays at Fernvale, Brisbane Valley, has been very keen to get some senior football on their ground and we are more than happy to help them out”, Foley said.

"While there are metropolitan clubs in Brisbane and Ipswich that are closer to Fernvale than South Burnett, we are a country club and believe that prospective players and supporters living in the Brisbane Valley may like to get on board with us.”

Foley said the Saints are hoping to grow their base in the region and continue to take a game there in future years with the potential to play in Fernvale for premiership points in 2020.

The Fernvale matches on Saturday, March 23, kick off with the women at 1.30pm, followed by the men at 3pm.

Foley said new members were always welcome at the Saints and interested people can contact the club at southburnettafc@gmail.com.