After losing just once in the home and away season, Square was comprehensively beaten by Bendigo United by 164 runs in last season's grand final at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.

"You can probably handle losing to a better side, which BUCCs definitely were in the grand final, but what really stings is how poor we were," Wood said on Thursday.

"We didn't give a yelp in the grand final, and that's the thing that really burns at me.

"We didn't play to our potential and get beaten... getting beaten the way we did is what's going to really propel me this season."

Golden Square begins its path towards redemption on Saturday when it meets Strathfieldsaye at Tannery Lane in a one-day game to open the 2014-15 Bendigo District Cricket Association season.

"We are away from home for the first month, so it's important we put some points on the board early," said Wood, who is preparing for his second season as Golden Square skipper.

"Last season we got the early wins and that put us in a position to contend, so that's what we'll be aiming to do again."

The only outs at Golden Square from last season's grand final side are paceman Darren Clutton and top-order batsman John Lalor, who are both taking the season off.

Arrivlas to Square include Hamish Schumacher, who has become the third Strathfieldsaye player in the past two seasons behind Wood and Liam Smith to cross to MyJet Oval.

Also joining Square is paceman Dan Walker from Delatite in the Benalla and District Cricket Association.

Helping support Golden Square off the field this season are key sponsors including the National Hotel and MyJet.

• Saturday's BDCA round one games: Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat; Strathdale-Maristians v Huntly-North Epsom; Strathfieldsaye v Golden Square; Eaglehawk v White Hills; Bendigo v Bendigo United.