It's a season of change and promised progress for Rotorua United AFC.
The local side take on newly promoted West Hamilton United Premiership, at Neil Hunt Park today , in their opening game of the Loaded WaiBOP Premiership.
United will field a much changed team from last season with only three returning players - goal keeper Andrew Gibbs, centre midfielder Jason Walker and right back Forrest Dunn.
And after a long time away from the club new captain and centre-back Hayden Eldridge has polished his football boots and is ready to kick off the season with the first team.
Eldridge, 22, who last played for United six years ago in the youth side, and recently returned after a spell in Auckland, said he was eager to take up his new role.
"I'm raring to go and it's nice to be home - it's really important to get a good start," Eldridge said.
"We've had a good build up in preseason so we are just looking to keep boosting the confidence. I'm feeling pretty confident. We have a good side and everyone is eager to perform - we are looking like a new and exciting team."
Coach Ian Walker, in his second season in charge added: "Hayden is the right captain for us. He is very level headed and has a very mature way at looking at the game. I think it's important to push a good talented young player into that role."
On paper United have had a disappointing preseason drawing 3-3 with Tokoroa AFC, losing 2-0 to Otumoetai FC Premiership and 1-0 to Taupo AFC.
But Eldridge and Walker said they were "happy" with the performances especially as many under-19 players gained experience.
"A lot of senior players haven't been available for some of the games so preseason only tells half the story," Eldridge said. "I'm pleased with what I've seen and am confident we can do well.
"We've been focused on defence and once we get that sorted we can focus on scoring more goals and getting more wins."
Walker interjected: "Preseason isn't about results for me. It's about putting in ground work and getting a chance to see all the players in action. It's been a great chance to see what the youngsters can do.
"We would like to finish in the top four, that's the plan. We have a very strong chance and will take each game as it comes. We look to win every game."
Walker said this season was about building a "solid base" for the club - with a long term aim of playing in Northern League in the future, like fellow local side Ngongotaha AFC.
"We have to be realistic. This season is about the guys building as a team and a squad. All the players of course want to push onto the next level but it has to be done properly.
"It's great to have Ngongotaha representing at such a high level - we are off that mark by a couple of seasons. Part of us would like to think of competing in Northern League too but you have to be completely solid as a club first and you need player depth.
"It's a work in progress here."
Loaded WaiBOP Premiership fixtures:
Saturday, kick-off 2.45pm.
Rotorua United AFC v West Hamilton United Premiership, Neil Hunt Park 1.
Taupo AFC Premiership v Cambridge FC Premiership, Crown Park 1.
Papamoa Football Club Premiership v Otumoetai FC Premiership, Gordon Spratt Park 6.
Matamata Swifts Premiership v Tauranga Boys College 1st XI, Matamata Dom 1.
Edmonds Judd Te Awamutu Premiership v Tauranga Old Blues Premiership, The Stadium.
Waikato Unicol Premiers v Melville Premiership, Waikato Uni 1.