Cooper knows the 2016 premiership won’t fall in his lap; the team will suffer a number of losses in the off-season.

“I’m not throwing my hopes up too high,” Cooper said.

Without Jason Mutimer, Ray Jones and Lachlan Bushby, supporters will be watching a different line-up, but they won’t be missing out on Junee’s aggressive, powerful playing style.

“That’s the style I like to play,” Cooper said.

“You try not to change things that aren’t broken.”

Getting to top spot in the Football Wagga competition was no picnic for Cooper, and he wants to enjoy the fruits of his labour.

“I like seeing my hometown being successful, it wasnt that long ago since we had no first grade team,”

“With the work I’ve put in to build the club over three years, to bow out now didn’t sit right.

“I would like to see the club go back-to-back.”

Players have been training for two weeks, and Cooper would like to take up a couple of clubs on their offers to challenge Junee to a trial game before the season begins.

“It will be a good chance to see what formations we can produce,” Cooper said.

As for Cooper, he’s not sure as to whether he’ll play in goals or on the field. 

There’s certainly enough goalkeeping talent floating around Junee to ensure they won’t be short-staffed between the posts, with Robert Fry filling in last season during Cooper’s overseas trip.

As for the vacant positions on the field, Cooper’s not sure about how they will be filled, and hopes to see new players at upcoming training sessions.