Undisputedly the favourites, ever the team to beat. Thiago Mesquita masterminded a wondrous campaign as Stirling pipped EWA in the final round then took a hammer to all and sundry in finals. Odds on to stay, Mesquita now stands to build a dynasty at Stirling. The next question, can he top last campaign?

Rudnei Sheldon was an astute move, strong up top and likely to shred on the dribble. Chris Rocchi no slouch either and with those twin totems up top, Stirling have the most polished 3-1 in the league with Fahed Kassis in waiting learning from two of the premier targets in the league. As Claudio Tavares midway showed Mesquita always has a few moves up his sleeve, no doubt he’ll plan more. The flip side of the coin is juggling so many players who would command SFL action elsewhere. Case in point Stirling’s Draft Premiership and Grand Final appearance, and the exit of Joel Ditoro to Murdoch and Moh Totonchy to Fremantle mid season among others. Still, Mesquita will undoubtedly be sniffing around for new additions. Then again if it ain’t broke, do you really need to slide into SFL direct messages?

With Glenn Sheldon at the back and Brauner on the court Stirling are the team to beat. Throw in Mesquita himself shedding niggling injuries over the three month break and Pavel Parihuzič continuing his Indian Summer into it’s upteenth year you have an abundance of riches. How they juggle new signings and keeping the wonderkids like Connor Crews and Sashlyn Nadesan happy will determine if stockpiling quality can dovetail with morale as Stirling aim for a double double. Especially if Adriano Martino is back.

Star Man: Victor Brauner

Took Stirling up a notch as he tuned up for finals, shredding Fremantle, EWA and Cambio Cumbre over a four week period. Stirling undoubtedly improve when he was available. With mumurings about the Futsalroos coming together and whispers of an F-League on the horizon, will it be enough for the star man to go all in with indoor or continue to dabble with the NPL? The SFL title fight could be settled with the decision.

One to Watch: Sashlyn Nadesan

Stirling have firepower in spades, names that would waltz into starting line ups all over the league. The Braza Draft and U19s hold the answer to where the next newcomer will rise and we’ll opt for Sashlyn amongst the others. With a turn of pace and ear for instruction, there’s always room at Stirling for speedy youngsters to run off the target. If he keeps his head and keeps on learning, Sashlyn just might be the next graduate.