Penola was forced to wonder what could have been last summer after falling short of the sought-after MGDCA double.

The Eagles showcased their charismatic best to win the Big Bash T20 Cup and storm into the Barber Shield decider in thrilling fashion at Scott Park, but could not knock off North in the big one.

The team chasing redemption will be captained again by Mark Smith, who thrived in the leadership position.

Smith topped Penola’s run charts with 379 at an average of 29 and was closely followed by game-changing allrounder Jack Mullan, who enjoyed most productive season with the bat and ball.

The pair is one half of nucleus of the Eagles outfit alongside new-ball duo Michael Waters and Lachlan Jones.

Waters’ metronomic line and length and Jones’ left-arm angle complement each other beautifully, while both individuals can bowl all day and clean up sides.

The pair took all 20 wickets in Penola’s must-win games against South and East Gambier to seal last summer’s Grand Final berth.

Smith said there is a good feeling around McCorquindale Park amid the return of club top order favourite Drew Clayfield from Europe.

“The training numbers have probably been the best I have seen, which has been handy because we have lost four blokes,” he said.

“Raymondo Stanton, Paul Ellis and Matt Sullivan all have knee injuries and Jack Schulz is probably not going to play due to work commitments.

“The core group of players is still there, but we might have to fill a few gaps before Christmas.

“Drew coming back is a massive in for us and Conrad Slabber is keen to play some more games, while youngsters Zac Zema and Ned Skeer will play senior cricket of some form.

“We did not expect to play in last year’s Grand Final, but I guess it is a driving force.

“All you have to do is have fun win enough games to make finals and anything can happen from there.”