But according to the coach, that choice has paid off in the long run.

"The boys that have wanted this for a while have been very patient," he admitted

"There were a few boys last year who got approached by other teams and could've went to the Western Premier League at other clubs. But they've just bought into the culture that we've tried to build in the club.

"I didn't want to go to early and there was a bit of pressure on us to go last year but I knew we weren't ready. I ran a bit of a risk as guys could've gone to other clubs. That's the thing that I'm proud of at the moment is the culture of the club is exactly where we want it. It's a credit to everyone involved and the rebuild is obviously working if people are willing to wait and be patient."

The green and golds - along with other newcomer Bathurst 75s - have this year taken the leap to the WPL and will even face off against each other in the opening round.

But Roberts wasn't too concerned with who his opponent would be.

"To be honest, it is what it is, you've got to play everybody eventually anyway," he said.

"Obviously there will be a bit more hype and excitement when we do play the derbies, but for us, I'm pretty stubborn in that way where I like to think about us and concentrate on us and take it like the old cliché, just week by week."

With some trial games coming up in the next few weeks, Roberts is hoping to iron out a few creases before selecting a final squad.

"We've had some guys try out from either different clubs or different leagues in general who may have moved to town," the coach added.

"We've obviously added to what we've had the last two years, but the core of these blokes that have been on the ride with me for the last two years are definitely still there and we're putting some cream on top now."

Training sessions for all CYMS sides are currently being held at Jack Brabham, from 6.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: