2013 finish: Bentleigh fell agonisingly short to winning its first Victorian Premier League title when it lost 3-2 (after extra time) to Northcote City in last season’s grand final at AAMI Park.

NPL 2014 squad: Stuart Webster (GK), Alastair Bray (GK), Wayne Wallace (captain), Thomas Matthews, Luc Jeggo, Liam McCormick, Steve Hatzikostas, Jamie De Abreu, David Stirton, Nick Modaffari, Perry Lambropoulos, Brent McGrath, James Cumming, Anthony Proia, Christian Cavallo, Jack Webster, Luke O’Dea

Key signings: James Cumming (Oakleigh Cannons), Anthony Proia (Melbourne Victory youth), Luc Jeggo (Melbourne Victory youth), Christian Cavallo (Melbourne Victory youth)

Key departures: Luke Sherbon, Dominic D’Angelo (Oakleigh Cannons), Aron Wilford (Oakleigh Cannons), Ryan De Vries, Dane Milovanovic (Ballarat Red Devils), Luke Pilkington

The gaffer: John Anastasiadis enters his third year at the helm, having guided the Greens to their first grand final in their history last year. Anastasiadis has a strong focus on team discipline and collegiality and pushes his players to work not as individuals, but as a collective team. He loves to play down the wings and hit opposition sides on the counter attack. He'll have a very young but talented squad to work with this season.

One to watch: Captain Wayne Wallace was one of the star midfielders in the VPL last season and played a pivotal role in guiding Bentleigh to the grand final. Despite his team losing Luke Sherbon, Ryan De Vries, Dane Milovanovic, Aron Wilford and Dominic D’Angelo in the off-season (all started in the grand final ), Wallace has pledged his allegiance to the Greens and is a loyal player who wears his heart on his sleeve.

Pictured: Luke O'Dea (front) and captain Wayne Wallace (image credit: Anita Milas)