They've been robbed, beaten and on the brink of folding, but Easts believe their rebuild has begun with an injection of new sponsors and overseas recruits.
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The John I Dent Cup battlers will have extra motivation to get their first win of the season on Saturday, the match dedicated to Owen Brown, the man credited with keeping Easts afloat in their toughest times.
Easts and Uni-Norths Owls will play for the Owen Brown Memorial Trophy, a tribute to the former Easts president who died from cancer in 2013.
Brown led the fight to ensure Easts remained in Canberra's premier rugby competition, even when they failed to win a game one season and were beaten by 100 points.
New Easts president Greg Dennis believes the club is now "starting to see the green shoots of Owen's work".
"Owen was there in the dark days when the club really had a long way to go," Dennis said. "We still do have a way to go, but if it wasn't for Owen's effort, there would be no club. It's only fitting we do the best we can for him.
"What's happening now is a continuation of what Owen was doing, we're just trying to keep the dream alive."
Easts have snared a $20,000 sponsorship with Western Australian-based Advanced Personnel Management, who read about the club's shed being broken into three times by thieves.
The club has also recruited Italian player Alessio Mattoccia and Welsh back Andrew Eldred.
Mattoccia is a 20-year-old centre who has played for L'Aquila Rugby in the Top 10 competition.
"They're good recruits, [Mattoccia] has got some ability but he can't speak English," said Easts coach John Ross.
"There's a communication challenge there, that's OK. We're a new team anyway so there's a communication challenges across the board. We're learning a new rugby language.
The Owls have set their sights on playing finals this year. Royals kicked an after-the-siren penalty goal last week to secure a 22-19 win.
The Owls beat Easts 20-5 in the opening round of the season and coach Joe Hedger is confident his team is progressing.
"The good thing is we've got confidence around our defensive approach to make sure that's a strong feature of what we do," Hedger said.
"It's been tough for Easts, they're a desperate side and a desperate side can do damage if you underestimate them. We won't be taking them lightly.
"Our defence is giving the guys self belief, but the main test is consistency."
JOHN I DENT CUP ROUND FOUR
Saturday: Uni-Norths Owls v Easts at Canberra Stadium, 5pm; Queanbeyan Whites v Wests at Campese Field, 3.05pm; Royals v Tuggeranong Vikings at Phillip Oval, 3.05pm. Gungahlin Eagles - bye.
