2013 finish: After finishing a runner-up in the 2011 and 2012 Victorian Premier League (VPL) seasons, 2013 was a disappointing year for Oakleigh as it finished in eighth position and missed out on finals.

NPL 2014 squad: Omar Ammache, George Krommidas, Thomas Lakic, Michael Karuiki, Loui Paraskevas, Evan Kraloglou, John Honos (GK), Aron Wilford, Dominic D'Angelo, Thomas Lakic, Goran Zoric, Evan Christodoulou (captain), Bonel Obradovic, Veton Korcari, Dean Piemonte, Dusan Bosnjak, Nate Foster, Alexander Connell, Stelios Konstantinidis, Ariel Ritz, Gideon Sweet, Andreas Govas, Ian Kamau, Jordan Lowdon

Key signings: Andreas Govas (AEL Kalloni FC, Greece), Aron Wilford (Bentleigh Greens), Dominic D’Angelo (Bentleigh Greens), Nate Foster (Dandenong Thunder), John Honos (AO Trahanon, Greece), Bonel Obradovic (Northcote City), Dean Piemonte (Northcote City), Ariel Ritz (Richmond), Gideon Sweet (Richmond), Jordan Lowdown (Waitakere United, New Zealand)

Key departures: Jamie Cummings (Bentleigh Greens), Andrew Mullett (South Melbourne), Ricky Diaco

The gaffer: Miron Bleiberg is the most qualified coach in the NPL, having previously coached Gold Coast United and Brisbane Roar in the Hyundai A-League and currently holding an AFC Pro Licence. Bleiberg took over from Bill Theodoropoulos as interim coach in May last year, but he now enters the NPL season having spent a full pre-season with this Oakleigh squad.

One to watch: Midfielder Dusan Bosnjak is one of the smartest players in the NPL and loves to surge forward and run at defenders. His ability to create goalscoring chances for new signing Nate Foster will be vital.

Pictured: Oakleigh players celebrate a goal against Bentleigh last season (image credit: Anita Milas)