Park Ridge Pirates have a new coach as they aim for a third consecutive AFL title this year.
The Pirates have recruited Tom Corless in their quest to back to back to back in what would be an amazing achievement.
Corless has extensive coaching and playing experience at State League level.
He assisted seniors coach Ryan Kirk last season, and decided to return in 2020.
Corless said he was impressed with the club culture last season. Playing Friday night footy meant the Pirates did not require a reserve grade side.
"They had 36 players commit to playing in one team," he said.
"I thought they rotated them around really well. I was impressed with the team unity.
"They were quite resilient. I thought it was a great effort."
A reserve grade side is needed again this season. Kirk will take the reins.
The Pirates will return to the Division 1 Queensland AFL competition, which gets underway on March 14.
They begin preparations on Thursday for that home match against Ipswich, with pre-season training kicking off at Park Ridge High School at 6pm.
Then, they are training every Tuesday and Thursday at the same time and venue.
Club president Andy Colenso is confident Corless can make an impact at the club in his first official year as coach.
"We are very excited to have him on board," Colenso said.
"He has a very solid background."
Kirk will coach reserve grade .
Corless said Pirates had recruited well in the off-season, but they have kept a few faces around, too.
Midfielder Blake Passfield will return, alongside full-forward Tye Cestor. Cestor was the leading goalkicker in the competition last year.
Forward Nick Davidson will also play again.
"He is a big, strong bloke," Colenso said of Davidson.
Colenso said the Pirates would look to give some under 16s players their first taste of senior footy in 2020.
"We'll have a good team, but you have to, going for three in a row," he said.
Last year, the Pirates beat Maroochydore 9-11-65 to 5-3-33.
In 2018, they beat Beenleigh 2-17-89 to 11-6-72.