Despite a tumultuous couple of months during which the coach resigned and several long-serving staff members left the service of the association, the Volts revealed a very familiar playing roster yesterday.
Otago has offered contracts to 13 players in the first round of contracts and there are no surprises.
While all-rounder Christi Viljoen, pace bowler Jack Hunter and legspinner Rhys Phillips are new to the list, they have all played first-class cricket for the province and their inclusion has not come at the expense of anyone else but rather the vacancies left by Neil Broom, Craig Smith and Nick Beard.
Beard is taking a year off to concentrate on his real estate career but Broom and Smith will remain part of the squad.
Otago has agreed to terms with Broom and he will return this summer as an overseas player, while Smith was unable to accept a contract due to work commitments but remains available for selection.
Veteran left-armer Bradley Scott is also available for selection but could not accept a contract.
Last season's recruits - fast bowler Warren Barnes and batsmen Anaru Kitchen and Brad Wilson - will also return.
Locals Michael Bracewell, Derek de Boorder, Jacob and Ryan Duffy, Josh Finnie, Sam Wells and the captain Hamish Rutherford are back for another year.
The perfect retention rate is a vote of confidence in an association which has been involved in much change during the off-season.
Former coach Nathan King resigned in April following a performance review, and restructuring at the OCA resulted in two staff members moving on.
Former Otago captain Craig Cumming's role as commercial manager was also restructured but he has taken on the role of winter squad manager until a new head coach is appointed.
He has managed the contracting process and was pleased everyone opted to return, especially given the current uncertainty.
"When you don't have a clear path for the future, players may decide that it is not in their best interests [to return],'' Cumming said.
"But I'm absolutely delighted that every player is committed to coming back. That was the goal and I think it is an exceptionally strong squad.
"That includes not just the contracted players but the players that are going to be playing even though they are not contracted.
"The depth is as good as it has ever been. And to be able to hold on to everyone just shows how important Otago cricket is to them.''
Otago has two further contract spots available. Pace bowler Michael Rae shapes as a likely recipient, while left-arm quick Blair Soper and batsman Sean Eathorne could be in line for the final place.
Promising New Zealand under-19 player Nathan Smith is still at school but will be available for selection during the season.
Otago has three New Zealand-contracted players on its books in spinner Mark Craig, allrounder Jimmy Neesham and left-armer Neil Wagner.
Veteran spinner Nathan McCullum resigned from international cricket at the end of last season but has suggested he may still play twenty20 cricket for the province.
"We are talking with Nathan at the moment about the possibility and as soon as we have any more news, we'll let you know.''
There are two areas where Otago's ranks look lean. There is still no obvious successor for wicketkeeper de Boorder and the spinning ranks have thinned with the departure of Beard.
Craig is expected to play plenty of white ball cricket for Otago this season but there will be opportunities for Phillips to develop.
Otago contracts
Warren Barnes, Michael Bracewell, Derek de Boorder, Jacob Duffy, Ryan Duffy, Josh Finnie, Jack Hunter, Anaru Kitchen, Rhys Phillips, Hamish Rutherford, Christi Viljoen, Sam Wells, Brad Wilson.
