Decimated by player departures and financial uncertainty, Belconnen United coach Dean Ugrinic had low expectations a few months ago.
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But he's now brimming with confidence after the marquee signing of former Canberra FC skipper Matt Grbesa and Sydney FC National Youth League striker Jordan Tsekenis.
The Blue Devils were at long odds to win back-to-back Capital Football National Premier League grand finals after losing player of the final Tom McLachlan to Canberra Olympic and having Dustin Wells and Jack Green join newcomers Gungahlin United.
Grbesa had also signed with Gungahlin before having a change of heart, while the Blue Devils have brought across Tsekenis after a successful season with the Sky Blues in the NYL, along with fellow young guns Ben van Meurs (Canberra FC), Sam Smith, Ross Constanzo (both NTC) and Conor Nolan (Woden Valley).
Ugrinic believes the Blue Devils have the ability to challenge for the league championship, the grand final and to be Capital Football's representative into the main draw of the FFA Cup.
"I think we've got a squad capable of doing all those things this year as opposed to what we originally thought three months ago," Ugrinic said.
"We were potentially looking to a long-term program, two or three years, but things have decidedly changed two or three months later.
"We've been fortunate to pick up a lot of talented youngsters and Matt Grbesa makes us into a pretty good side for this season."
Grbesa spent a month training with Gungahlin United earlier this year before off-field turmoil forced players to accept reduced match payments.
"It will probably be a little bit hostile against Canberra FC, especially from them," Grbesa said.
"Everything seemed to be running smoothly with Gungahlin when I went overseas for a holiday, but when I got back it was a bit of a kerfuffle.
"I let Dean know if anything does happen I'd be happy to join them, and what do you know, here I am."
Tsekenis is hoping to build off an impressive season with the Sky Blues where he scored seven goals.
"I'm hoping to get into the youth team and try to get a bit further than I did during last season, so hopefully get a youth pro or a full contract," Tsekenis said.
"It'll be good coming up against faster and stronger defenders and getting more game experience."
The Blue Devils will face Canberra Olympic in a trial game on Sunday in preparation for their season opener against Gungahlin on April 11.