The local organisation reached the decider, but suffered a heart-breaking 17-6 loss to Easts 1.

Now, coach Michael Hall and his chargers have their sights set on higher glory.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t good enough [on the day],” he said.

“We’re still building as a club – on and off the field.

“But, it was a big year for everyone, our 50th anniversary.

“The Heelers are in a lot better situation, too; the committee’s doing a great job.

“We picked up the NHRU Club of the Year award, which was a terrific honour.”

Hall said the goal was to transfer that success onto the playing paddock.

“Quite simply, we want to win the comp,” he admitted.

“We’re keen to go one step further in 2018.

“We learnt a lot from last season.

“Losing key men Ben Heriot and Tyler Price is a massive blow.

“However, a number of players are returning to the fold – Morgan Collins and Dylan Smith are back from Southern Beaches.

“The nucleus of the side is still on deck, too, so that gives me [and assistant coach Harry Hobden] something to work on.

“Plus, our 9 (Mitchell Googe) and 10 (Cameron Young) would match it with any halves combination in the NHRU.”

Hall told the Chronicle there was a “good vibe around the place”.

“We had our first training session [last week], which attracted about 20 guys,” he said.

“That was great to see [in January].

“We’re always chasing bigger forwards – we need to be more aggressive at the breakdown; that’s where games are won.

“But, once we improve on some basic aspects, we’ll be alright.”

If anyone is interested in joining the Heelers, head to Highbrook Park on a Tuesday or Thursday at 7pm.