After living in London for four years, Steven O'Neill has returned to Australia and is lining up with Pombo for season 2008-09, which kicks off on Saturday.

The 30-year-old off-spinner/batsman has had a short break from cricket.

``I played a little bit in England, just one season,'' he said. ``I played all my junior cricket with Pomborneit so I decided to go back there.

``Having a look at results from last season, they did very well and I hope we can continue that this year.

``I'd say experience (is our biggest strength) because we know what to expect.''

O'Neill - who lives in Melbourne and will travel each week to suit up for the side - will have his first hit-out against Cobden in the opening round.

Terang, Noorat and Bookar are the clubs which are expected to give last year's premier some tough competition, as will Mortlake if it plays consistently.

Cobden and Camperdown will need to have improved vastly to get their hands on the flag after disappointing finishes in 2007-08 while Port Campbell/Timboon are the new kids on the block.

The combined team will be looking to prove it is worthy of a spot in division one after it was crowned premier in division two last season.

Association president Keith Baker was just as excited as the players about the season starting.

``Everything is organised and we're ready and raring to go,'' he said.

``We have eight teams in division one, eight teams in division two and seven division three teams.

``Unfortunately we lost two teams in Derrinallum and Lismore but they needed to do that for club survival, which is the way that it goes.''

Fourteen rounds are scheduled comprising a mix of one-day matches and two-day matches.

``Everybody seems very happy with the draw and we have not had any complaints,'' said Baker, who believed the standard of competition would be similar to previous years.

``I haven't heard about many recruits so it will just be that everyone is another year older.

``The older fellas will be feeling it a bit more and the young ones will keep getting better,'' he laughed.