Doyle has arranged a sign-on and meet the coach day on December 6 from 12pm followed by a barbecue in an attempt to gauge the personnel at his disposal for next year.

Two training sessions on December 15 and 17 from 6pm at the showground will follow this with official pre-season training to commence early in the New Year.

Next year is shaping up as one of the biggest challengers the club has faced since its inception back in 1914 and it marks the Spuds first appearance in first grade in 16 years with officials attempting to field first, reserve and under-18 teams in the Group 7 competition.

Club president Grant Pointing said early signs are encouraging although he admitted there’s still a great deal of work to be done.

“At the stage we are still talking to several players including former Melbourne prop Ian Donnelly,” Pointing said.

“And once next year’s draw is released we will formulate our training schedule as well as releasing details of our sponsorship for 2010.

“It’s definitely a big step forward for the club but one I feel we must take to consolidate our future.”

The club’s ambitious plans received a huge boost with the staging of a highly successful presentation night at the Robertson Bowling Club recently which saw Doug Tilley (pictured) take out the Regan Cup’s prestigious best and fairest trophy.