It is one of the biggest cliches in sport but Mosgiel coach Andrew Brook may have struck the perfect balance between youth and experience.
Last year, Mosgiel managed to finish fourth in the Football South premier league with a green side stripped of some of its experience due to injury.
But some clever recruiting during the off season, and the return to fitness of key striker Regan Coldicott, should mean Mosgiel will be a lot more competitive, and perhaps even push perennial frontrunners Caversham and Dunedin Technical.
Caversham, in particular, has dominated the football scene in Dunedin, winning 12 Football South premier league titles in the past 14 seasons. But Brook is bullish about his team's prospects.
''Our expectations are high. I'd like to think we will be right up there battling for the title come the end of the season. We were a little bit unlucky last year with the fact some of our more experienced players picked up long term injuries which meant they were out for most of the season.''
Key to Mosgiel's season will be the addition of Eder Franchini, who has moved down from Hamilton.
The Chilean had been playing for Southern United in the national league and would add considerable quality to the midfielder, Brook said.
''As far as midfield players go in Dunedin, he would be the standout player in that position. He's a class act. He brings experience, enthusiasm and a bit of passion.
''Mosgiel had a young side last year and although we finished fourth in the league, we had five players who were Mosgiel lads - home grown [players] all 17 and younger.
"What we are hoping is with Eder's experience and the quality that he brings, that it might help these younger players to step up and excel and improve on the things they are already good at doing.''
Former Bay Olympic goalkeeper Zane Green (33) is also joining Mosgiel.
He has moved to the region for a change of lifestyle and is a vastly experienced shot-stopper.
''To play the amount of time in the Auckland premier league that he has played, you have to be able to play. He is very good.''
Experienced midfielder Morgan Day completes an impressive spine, while younger players like Cody Brook and Riley Anderton are some of the more promising players in the region for their age.
Mosgiel opens its season against Green Island on Easter Monday.
