But if Mal Barnes and his troops have anything to say about it, they'll be once again handing it to themselves.
The Purples are a vastly experienced outfit at the top end — 10 premierships in about the career-span of a local footballer will do that to a list — but with the average age of plenty of those premiership stars well into the 30s, MFL rivals have been waiting for a swathe of retirements to reshape the best team in the business.
That time has not yet arrived.
“They're all sticking around and are as keen as anyone,” Barnes said of his veterans.
“They really enjoyed the extra time with their families and the opportunity to get all of the niggles right. The year off has helped the bodies for sure.”
Bringing another generation through the ranks will also be key for the Purples to keep their squad fresh.
“It's looking positive at the moment, there's a good younger group and the numbers have been really good,” Barnes said.
“The social side will be important this year in getting everyone back around the club from the community after a tough year or so.
“There's a few good juniors coming up through the ranks too, the thirds from 2019 and even some of the fourths from that year will be pushing for a go.
“It's been good to see a few people come down and watch training already, we're all just really excited to be back.”
Bailey Bell, Adam Jorgensen and Brayden Summerville are among the departures, while the signing of Jaydan Thewma adds plenty of pace.
“We've got a couple of others in the works,” Barnes said.
“But mostly we'll (fill the gaps) by getting some more time into the younger kids.”
FAST FACTS
COACH: MAL BARNES MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1939, 1949, 1963, 1978, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 2019 FINISH: PREMIER (20-1) 2019 BEST AND FAIREST: ALEX HICKS 2019 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LIAM EVANS (67) GROUND: NATHALIA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: PURPLES
PLAYER CHANGES
IN: Jaydan Thewma (Tatura).
OUT: Bailey Bell (Tatura), Adam Jorgensen, Brayden Summerville.
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