That's the question heading into the 2021-22 Bendigo District Cricket Association season where the perennial power Suns again shape as the team to beat.

The Suns enter 2021-22 having won the past two flags and seven of the past 11 dating back to 2010-11.

And following an undefeated 2020-21 campaign the Suns approach the new season having not been beaten in their past 30 games (Golden Square was the last team to defeat Strathdale-Maristians on November 30, 2019).

Again, it will be a similar team that takes to the field this season, albeit there is a key departure in all-rounder James Vlaeminck, who has headed to Premier Cricket club Essendon.

Vlaeminck was a vital cog in the Suns' success last season both opening the batting and often the bowling as well with his off-spin.

The Suns will also be without star paceman Chris Sole for the early part of the season while he's overseas as part of the Scotland squad playing in the Twenty20 World Cup.

"It just depends on what it will involve for Soley in terms of coming back to Australia as to when he will be available... will he be better off waiting a bit longer so he might not have to do as big a quarantine perhaps," new Suns' captain Cameron Taylor said.

"But he's coming back and will be raring to go."

Given the stability of their group for so long during their dynasty that is showing no signs of letting up considering the strength of the club as a whole, the Suns boast a remarkable level of premiership experience.

Between them Ben DeAraugo, Linton Jacobs, Ryan Haythorpe, Taylor, Jacob DeAraugo, reigning joint Cricketer of the Year Jack Neylon and Sam Johnston all have at least three Suns' flags and between them have combined for 41 BDCA first XI premierships.

Additions to the Suns this season include Shane Koop, who has crossed to Bell Oval following a five-season stint with Bendigo.

Koop, who has a wealth of experience, is the Suns' coaching advisor and will work closely with Grant Waldron, while there are two former players returning.

Bowler Dylan Baillie is back at Bell Oval after playing at White Hills, while top-order batsman Jono Davidson - a five-time Suns' premiership player - is also returning after a hiatus.

With Vlaeminck gone it creates an opportunity for a batsman to step up and open alongside four-time Cricketer of the Year Taylor.

Daniel Clohesy could potentially be given first crack at the top of a powerful batting order that will feature the classy Waldron at No.3 and explosive Neylon at No.4 - a duo that last season combined for 1216 runs.

The next generation of Suns' players coming through are headed by James Barri, last season's BDCA under-18 champion player, and Matthew Wilkinson - both of whom dominated for the Suns in last season's second XI finals.

Taylor says the Suns' experienced core of players are still as hungry and motivated as ever to remain the benchmark of the competition in 2021-22.

"I think over the past few years us older guys are still well and truly contributing and we're not just hanging around to the detriment of the club," Taylor said.

"Hopefully, some of our knowledge and experience can rub off on our younger players who are going to maybe get some more opportunities than have been there in the past."

ROUND 1 - November 13

v Sandhurst (a)

............................................

ROUND 2 - November 20

v White Hills (h)

............................................

ROUND 3 - November 27

v Strathfieldsaye (h)

............................................

ROUND 4 - December 4

v Huntly-North Epsom (h)

............................................

ROUND 5 - December 11

v Bendigo (a)

............................................

ROUND 6 - December 18

v Kangaroo Flat (h)

............................................

ROUND 7 - January 8

v Bendigo United (a)

............................................

ROUND 8 - January 15

v Eaglehawk (h)

............................................

ROUND 9 - January 22

v Golden Square (a)

............................................

ROUND 10 - January 29

v Sandhurst (h)

............................................

ROUND 11 - February 5

v White Hills (a)

............................................

ROUND 12 - February 6

v Strathfieldsaye (a)

............................................

ROUND 13 - February 12

v Huntly-North Epsom (a)

............................................

ROUND 14 - February 19

v Bendigo (h)

............................................

ROUND 15 - February 26

v Kangaroo Flat (a)

............................................

ROUND 16 - March 5

v Bendigo United (h)

............................................

ROUND 17 - March 6

v Eaglehawk (a)

............................................

ROUND 18 - March 12

v Golden Square (h)

Finished - Premiers

Record - 16-0-4, 1.89%

Bat - 1st Ball - 2nd

............................................

Leading run-scorers:

620 - Jack Neylon

596 - Grant Waldron

428 - James Vlaeminck

382 - Cameron Taylor

291 - Ben DeAraugo

............................................

Leading wicket-takers:

33 - Cameron Taylor

33 - Sam Johnston

27 - Chris Sole

18 - James Vlaeminck

10 - Jacob DeAraugo

............................................

Leading MVP points:

1172 - Cameron Taylor

978 - Sam Johnston

918 - James Vlaeminck

706 - Grant Waldron

705 - Jack Neylon

v Bendigo

Won: 29 Lost: 3

............................................

v Bendigo United

Won: 21 Lost: 10

............................................

v Eaglehawk

Won: 23 Lost: 9 Tied: 1

............................................

v Golden Square

Won: 21 Lost: 11

............................................

v Huntly-North Epsom

Won: 26 Lost: 2

............................................

v Kangaroo Flat

Won: 21 Lost: 11

............................................

v Sandhurst

Won: 19 Lost: 6

............................................

v Strathfieldsaye

Won: 19 Lost: 8 Tied: 1

............................................

v White Hills

Won: 21 Lost: 4 Tied: 1

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