AVONDALE laid the foundations to a dynasty last season through having a committed group of players on the field each week, balanced by a level-headed coach who earned the respect of his players.

Mick O'Sullivan is in charge again this season and after losing only a few players there are plenty of positive signs before the first tackle is made in anger.

Winning a premiership was the ultimate reward for the club after coming close the year before and team captain, Andy Filo, knows to repeat that success is going to be very tough this season.

Filo was aware of the players the other clubs recruited but had a few surprises in store.

"Winning again is going to be tough - there's the Kuskey boys at Gin Gin and South Kolan have a few blokes coming," Filo said.

"The competition was going to be tough but we had a couple of blokes who played at Waves Tigers in Bundy last year. But I am sure it would bring the best out of everyone."

Filo also knows what O'Sullivan brought to the team and said the coach had used the pre-season to build on the foundation laid down last year.

"This year Mick has been relaxed because he knew he had the same blokes as last year and we started to gel," Filo said.

"Playing under Mick was great; he's a great coach and the players really respect him."

Avondale plays Agnes Water in round one on Sunday.