Collendina is aiming to return to finals cricket this season.
With a host of emerging youngsters and the recruitment of three genuine guns into the A Grade team, the Cobras are confident they can be playing in March next year.
Nathan Frye will take the reins again and will be joined by former players Corey Walter and Ben Riccardo and Marshall all-rounder Stan Grazotis.
Walter returns to the Snake Pit after dominating for Marshall, while Riccardo adds depth to the batting and Grazotis bowls more than handy off-spin and can bat as well.
“We’re looking pretty good this year, there are more juniors coming through and adding Corey and Stan who can both bowl a fair few overs for us,” Frye said.
The Cobras also have several youngsters who are looking to make their mark, including top-order bat Aiden Foard, Jack Every in the middle and Gus Peters.
Collendina struggled on the field for much of last season, but Frye said it wasn’t about results.
“Last season wasn’t about where we finished on the ladder or how many games we won,” he said.
“It was getting that experience into the next generation of guys when the likes of me, Corey and Stan won’t be there.
“They had games where they prospered and games where they didn’t but that’s all about experience.”
Frye said he expects his side to make more runs this season and the addition of Walter, Riccardo and Grazotis to have a domino effect throughout the grades.
“You add three guys into your A grade which adds three into your B Grade and three into your C Grade,” he said.
“You want your whole club to be strong.”
Collendina kicks off its A2 Grade Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association campaign on Saturday October 7 against last season’s runner-up Drysdale at home at 1pm.
“They (Drysdale) were quite strong last year and I don’t really see that changing too much.” Frye said.
“We’ve got them round one so we’ll find out straight away where we’re at.”
