Maitland coach Michael Bolch believes the addition of Joel Wood and return of injured players next season will keep the club in a strong position.
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The Magpies finished third and beat Broadmeadow 1-0 on Sunday but bowed out with a 3-2 aggregate loss across the semi-final tie.
They were left to rue a missed penalty on Sunday but were able to reflect on a successful first season under Bolch, who took over after eight at Hamilton.
He confirmed Wood, 34, who played at Maitland in 2014 and ’15, had agreed to return. The former Jets striker scored eight goals for last-placed Valentine this year.
“We’re not looking at recruiting too much,” Bolch said.
“We’ve re-signed our starting 11 and nine starters from the under 20s grand final team. There’s some good boys coming through, like the Duggans [Adam and Tom], Louis Townsend and Lachlan Yates.”
The Magpies hope to get back Chris Fayers after his overseas trials and Ryan Broadley and Blake Thompson, who did not play this year. Matt Thompson is set to return and will have an operation on his damaged knee, which he played on over the final few matches.
Meanwhile, Maitland’s under-20s take on Hamilton in Saturday’s grand final at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The young Magpies are looking to claim the minor-major premiership double.
Maitland has a host of players with first grade experience including Townsend, Yates and the Dunggan brothers. Kick off is at 3.30pm.