Since their drought-breaking premiership double in 2007, the club has taken home eight premierships across both grades. It could have been more, if not for some heartbreaking grand final losses.

So the 2016 season will herald a new challenge for the Dirty Reds, when the old Monaro competition folds and they take on the might of the Canberra clubs in the ACT’s third and fourth division.

It’s a significant step up for the club, who have at times over the past few years have cruised to wins in a competition dogged by unplanned byes and forfeits.

More importantly, it’s a chance for the club, which has dominated the Monaro competition for the past few seasons, to test its mettle against stronger competition over 17 rounds.

First grade co-coaches Mikael Webber and David Anable said the change is one that’s needed, and which will benefit the club in the long run.

“The feedback I’ve been getting from a lot of players is that they’ve been a bit bored with the comp,” Webber said. 

Is Goulburn a victim of its own success?

“Kind of, yeah,” Webber said.

“You never get sick of winning, but these guys are grown men who play sport and like a bit of a challenge.

“(The move to Canberra) is definitely a good alternative to last season. They (ACT Rugby) had to do something. This was the most logical choice.”

“From a big picture point of view, this is the best decision for the club, all the way through (from juniors to seniors),” Anable said.

If Webber and Anable can retain some of the squad from over the past few years, they could prove to be extremely competitive in the new competition.

While last year’s U18s squad was forced to fold due to lack of numbers, some of the eligible players stepped up into grade squads. The youngsters didn’t just bolster the numbers; many of them forced their way into starting positions. Webber said he is hopeful of retaining some of these.

“They were a massive plus for us last year,” Webber said.

“Towards the end of the season, they were a shining light for us.”

Goulburn has played in this competition before, back in 2010. With current first grade players like Adam Lachlan and Ben Todkill fresh out of school, the Goulburn side made the semi finals and proved competitive.

“I think our side now is light years ahead of that side. If we retain the majority of our side from last year, we’ll do well,” Webber said.

The draw has been very kind to the Reds, with more home games than away. They’ll host most of the Premier clubs at Poidevin Oval, meaning the local side will be able to stick with a 3pm kick off.

While the competition kicks off early April, for the Reds, the preseason is already underway. Webber and Anable are putting their charges through their paces at Poidevin Oval on Tuesdays and Thursdays. New players are welcome.