There has been little change to a Northern Suburbs side that will attempt to claim the first premiership three-peat in four decades.
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Norths have retained relatively the same squad that sealed back-to-back Maitland and District Cricket Association grand final wins last season.
This gives the Lorn lads a sense of stability as they look to follow in the footsteps of just three sides before them in the 121 years of first grade competition.
Eastern Suburbs were the last club to reign supreme in three straight grand finals, going one better between 1969-1970 and 1972-1973.
This four-pronged effort was matched twice previously by Norths – between 1960-1961 and 1963-1964 as well as 1928-1929 and 1931-1932.
For the current crop of Norths players to have any chance of a title trifecta they would need to make their 10th successive decider, which would be their 16th appearance since 1995-1996.
This period has also included an unprecedented run of five consecutive minor premierships, which ended in 2013-2014.
Current all-rounder Lincoln Mills acknowledged the historical achievements but was more focused on the future.
“We’ve had a pretty good run recently,” Mills said.
“But the main thing for us isn’t the numbers, it’s all about this season and this group of players.”
Norths skipper Josh Callinan has lost left-arm orthodox spinner Eamon Owens (Melbourne) but picked up two-time premiership winner Ben Sayers in return.
Sayers comes back after four seasons away and will give the side another pace option and lower order batsman.
The rest of the squad remains intact with the likes of Lincoln Mills, Mitch Field, Terry Humphreys, Michael Wilson, Matthew Wilks, Mitch Saxby, Tim Field and Dave Currey going around again.
Kyle Branscombe will take the gloves during the early parts of this summer as regular wicketkeeper Matthew Sugden recovers from recent surgery.
The only new addition at Lorn Park is all-rounder Blake Morley, who arrives from Newcastle club Waratah-Mayfield.
MOST CONSECUTIVE FINAL WINS
Maitland First Grade Competition
Eastern Suburbs (4): 1969-1970 to 1972-1973
Northern Suburbs (4): 1960-1961 to 1963-1964
Northern Division (4): 1928-1929 to 1931-1932
ROUND ONE DRAW
Saturday, October 10
City United v Northern Suburbs at Robins Oval
Western Suburbs v Kurri Weston at Coronation Oval
Eastern Suburbs v Thornton at East Maitland Park
Raymond Terrace BYE
