Grand United is hoping to bridge the gap between it and the top sides in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.
The Gorillas made finals last season, but there was a gap between them and some of the other sides.
Maribyrnong Park St Marys claimed the premiership from fourth spot, but had been deducted some points earlier in the season.
Gorillas coach Andrew Warrick said it had been a really good off season for the club.
“It’s been a bit slower, but it feels like the vibe is really good,” he said.
“We’ve got a couple of new players and there’s a lot of excitement. When you start early sometimes the guys get tired.
“We want to keep them as fresh as long as we can.”
Warrick said they had been able to keep all their local guys for another season, with the only key departures being their two Englishmen.
They’ve added two more this season.
Kyle Welsh, who played at White Hills in Bendigo last season, returns to Australia for another season.
Welsh is a top order bat.
His mate WIll Rhodes will join him in Australia. It’s the all-rounder’s first time in Australia.
Hazma Ali, who has Victorian Premier Cricket experience, joins the Gorillas from Coburg and will be an assistant coach and vice-captain.
Basim Khan is the other new signing. A strong batter, he broke the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association record for most dismissals as a fielder as Plenty Valley’s wicketkeeper.
The Gorillas and the rest of the competition had a delayed start to the season with the opening round postponed.
They faced Williamstown Imperials on Saturday as the season got underway.
The Gorillas made 161 as they were bowled out with two balls remaining.
Kane Holden top scored with 52.
While the Imperials put the pressure on, they were bowled out for 137 with more than five overs remaining.
Ali took four wickets in his debut for the club, while Hashan James and Will Rhodes took three wickets each.
Warrick feels they are a better side than last season.
“I think last year we were competitive against most of the teams,” he said. “We felt like there was a group above us, West Coburg, Willy Imps [Williamstown Imperials] and Maribyrnong Park.
“Hopefully we can bridge that gap. There’s a lot of unknown. PEGS looks like it has a strong side and Gellibrand is coming up as well.
“We want to finish in the top four but it’s hard to know. We’re feeling each other out the first couple of rounds.”
