Hepburn quickly overcame a shaky start – dropping two of the opening three games – to win its next 16 matches, culminating in the grand final triumph over Beaufort.

That result secured the Burras a sixth flag since 2004 and paved the way for coach Jason Olver to exit in the best possible circumstances.

Olver has handed the baton over to his premiership captain Segifili Asa Leausa, who is getting ready for his first season in the top job.

Asa Leausa has been a rock in defence for the Burras since joining the club back in 2012.

He has had a taste for coaching through a role leading the club’s under-18 outfit, which also captured the premiership in 2017.

As is the case most years, Hepburn has experienced a high level of player turnover during the off-season.

A number from the premiership team have left for other clubs or decided to hang up the boots. Onballer Kamen Ogilvie has moved on, as has key forward Aron Burns, while grand final best-on-ground Jacob Brown has shifted to East Point in a bid to reach the VFL ranks with Essendon. Big man Michael Watt and defender Leigh Santurini are among those to call time on the game.

Of course, there’s also some good inclusions.

A trio of key players have arrived from Castlemaine, including midfielders Zac Hansford, Rhys Jenkins and Jake Peake, the latter being the son of former Hepburn star and multiple premiership player Matt. Tall backman Scott Wood is expected to be a strong addition to the team, while forward Tallan Wright has returned. He is the son of former Hepburn coach and Melbourne and North Melbourne player Rodney. Dan O’Halloran’s brother Liam is also back at Burraland.

A talented crop of under-18 players will also make the step-up to full time senior football. Of those, 2017 league best and fairest winner Bryce Coffey and runner-up Hayden Rodgers, as well as century goal-kicker Alister Ferrier, are most exciting.

Hepburn will start its title defence and unfurl the premiership flags with a round one clash against Newlyn.