They topped the Orange District Football Association top grade last year, but Barnstoneworth is looking to take their form to the Western Premier League when the competition is revived in 2020.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Alongside Waratahs, Barnies was one of the two Orange clubs to put themselves forward to line up in what's expected to be a nine-team regional competition stretching from Dubbo to Lithgow.
Last year's premiership-winning coach Rob Dawson will take the mantle of leading the red and whites - who also wore both green and white last year - as the club takes to the higher tier and is relishing the challenge while also lauding the return of the competition.
Dawson said the WPL would sit between the A grades of regional competitions and Western FC, the club formerly known as the Mariners before the affiliation with Central Coast was canned last year.
Providing that next level of competition is something Dawson said was vital for the game.
"It's a great thing for the Central West and a great thing for the game and the sport, something for younger youths to strive towards," Dawson said.
"Except for the A grade, there's not a lot to strive towards for juniors in the local development to walk into ... it's been lacking at the next level aside from Mariners, which a lot of people can't commit to.
"It brings a high level of sport within the region, the likes of people with other commitments and being a part of.
While he admitted there may be teething problems in its first year back, all the clubs and associations in the region jumping onboard was a massive boost.
He also thinks Barnies will have a chance to compete at the top flight.
"I think we had the dynamics and makings to be very competitive and going into a new comp there's an unknown," Dawson said.
"We'll be playing different teams and different styles but if we stick to the our style we'll be in the top percentage of teams."
"It'll be a higher level, no doubt about that. We have a lot of work to do and I know we've got the commitment with the club and the team but if we stick with strict training sessions I'm sure we'll be competitive and the end of the season."
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS AND SPORT?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...