It was only a few years ago the Dubbo representative side was in turmoil and scrambling to find players so it's a real point of pride the squad heads into the new season in a stable position.
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The squad for this season's Western Zone Premier League is virtually the same as the one which finished runner-up last summer.
The new campaign begins on Sunday, with the Mat Skinner-led side taking on Parkes at No. 2 Oval and the captain is again targeting a successful campaign.
"This season is no different," he said.
"You're always aiming to be there in finals and if we get there then the next goal is to win it."
The consistency in the side is the biggest advantage Dubbo has this season, with South Dubbo spinner Joe Coles the only new face coming into the side on Sunday.
"It's good everyone has put their hand up again and it's what we've wanted," Skinner said.
"We've wanted the steady, consistent team and everyone knows each other and can work with them so it's really promising.
"There's three or four new players in the squad, too. They got in touch to say they're interested and they might get an opportunity if they perform this year or if someone in the team is out of form."
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Skinner again is one of a number of options with the ball and Coles' presence further boosts the attack.
CYMS premiership-winning duo Bailey Edmunds and Ben Knaggs are other pace options, alongside Lee Price while Jacob Hill and Steve Skinner can also be called on.
And while the opening two rounds against Parkes and rivals Bathurst are the focus, the chance to push for Western Zone selection is also at the forefront of many players' minds.
"I know there's a few looking to put their hand up and have a crack at Western Zone," Skinner said.
"Wickets and runs are currency so it's going to be interesting to see what results come out."
The meeting with Parkes is the first chance to catch the attention of selectors and while Dubbo's recent record in meetings between the two sides is convincing, Skinner is all too aware of the quality in the oppositions lineup.
"They're a team that flies under the radar," he said of Parkes.
"Not many people given them much hope but they've got a couple of really good players. Myles Smith played Western Zone last year and Brent Tucker is a handy left-arm quick and if they also have Anthony Heraghty, he's also played Western and is very dangerous so there's half-a-dozen you've got to keep an eye on."
Dubbo's new-look Brewery Shield side will also be in action on Sunday.
There focus has been back on younger players and development in the Brewery Shield and teenager Anthony Atlee has now been given the captaincy.
"We fell behind the eight ball a bit last year and younger blokes were not quite committing but now a young bloke has got the captaincy and they've put their hands up and are keen so it's really good to see," Skinner said.
"We tried to make it a team for the 18 to 20 (year olds) a few years ago and we're getting back to that, which is good."
The Brewery Shield side travels to Nyngan for its season opener.
Both games start at 10am.
- DUBBO WZPL SQUAD: Mat Skinner (c), Jacob Hill, Charlie Kempston, Angus Norton, Thomas Nelson, Ben Wheeler, Steve Skinner, Roland O'Connor, Ben Knaggs, Lee Price, Bailey Edmunds, Joe Coles.
- DUBBO BREWERY SHIELD SQUAD: Anthony Atlee (c), Heath Larance, Ted Murray, Nate Ambler, Mitchell Campion, Brayth Stevenson, Hugh Sienkiewicz, Cody Green, Sam Abbott, Lachlan Rummans, Lawson Shepherd, Archie Backus.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
