Bundoora United is hoping to take that next step in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield.
Having missed finals by one point in 2018-19, the Bulldogs made finals last season as they continued to improve.
While they were knocked out in the semi finals, Bulldogs captain-coach Mathew Ross said they were coming along nicely.
“I think that we’ve been building along really nicely the last few years,” he said.
“We’ve got some more kids coming through and a group of experienced players around them.
“We’re as good as anyone on our day.”
Ross said there had been good numbers at training following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
He said everyone was raring to go.
“It has been a long six months,” he said.
“We’ve had really good numbers at training and everyone is itching to go across all the grades.
“We’re average 30 at training a night and for a small club that is good numbers. It’s good to see everyone.”
The Bulldogs will take in a similar side to last season, with a couple of outs due to work and being an overseas player.
The club’s main recruit is Joel Thompson.
Thompson comes across from Rosebank, which was a powerhouse in the North Metro Cricket Association. Rosebank has moved to the DVCA this season.
Thompson claimed the Bill McFarlane Medal for the NMCA’s best player in 2015-16.
Ross said he had known Thompson for a number of years and he had fitted in really well.
“We’re really excited to have him,” he said.
“He already knows 90 per cent of the people at the club. He will bowl plenty of overs for us and bat in the top five I would say.
“He’s a very handy inclusion.”
The Bulldogs started their season on Saturday against Mernda in a one-dayer.
Ross said with all matches this season being one-dayers it could shake up the competition,
“We usually play two one-dayers a year,” he said.
“It’s a completely different challenge for everyone. It’s an interesting test of sides’ depth and ability to adapt in games.
“We’re confident we have the squad to do it.”
The Bulldogs started the season with a solid win against Mernda.
The Bulldogs made 9-168 from their overs, with Ross top scoring with 38.
Ryan Marnell took three wickets for the Demons.
The Demons were bowled out for 159 in the second last over.
Myer Zealley was the pick of the bowlers for the Bulldogs with four wickets.
In other results, Lalor Stars had a massive win against Mill Park.
The Stars made 6-245 with Aaron Amos top scoring with 67.
Mill Park was bowled out for 110.
Skipper Nathan Andrews top scored with 46 not out.
Paul Higgins and Jamie Scott took three wickets each.
Research Eltham Collegians proved too strong for Old Paradians.
Bundoora, which has dropped a grade, started the season with a win against Montmorency.
The Bulls made 4-187 in reply to 7-185.
In the Barclay Shield, Epping suffered a shock loss to Banyule.
The Pingers made 130 with John Lever top scoring with 24.
Banyule made the runs in the 34th over, finishing
4-131.
