They may be the defending Illawarra Premier League champions but Corrimal is preparing for a new era to begin in 2020.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It has been nearly four months since the Rangers clinched their first Football South Coast title in 46 years with a 2-1 victory over Wollongong Olympic.
After that drought-breaking win, Rob Jonovski knew that other clubs would be circling - and the coach's prediction came true.
Corrimal has lost half a dozen key squad members.
Arguably the biggest loss is lethal New Zealand striker Van Elia, who was the IPL's leading goal scorer last year. Elia is taking his chance to trial with National Premier League club Blacktown City.
Corrimal's fellow attacking weapon Tomoki Wada and defender Banri Kanaizumi signed with Rockdale in NPL1 while goalkeeper Nikolas Loe will join Hakoah Sydney City East FC in NPL2.
Two losses that will drive a dagger into the heart of Rangers fans are Ben Zucco and Daniel Carreno, who have joined IPL rivals Albion Park White Eagles.
Despite the losses, Jonovski remains about Corrimal's chances of going back-to-back this season.
"I'm happy to push players if they want to play at a higher level, I'm willing to let them go. And that's the case with four of those six players," Jonovski said.
"But the core of our squad is still there. Sammy Matthews is there, Alvin Ceccoli is still in the set up, Lukas Stergiou, 'Kirky' [Kyle Kirkland] , [Matthew] Galanti, Jason [Zufic], Timmy [Wylie] - they're priceless those guys.
"We won the grand final last year and we know there's a bit of a target on our back. We're the champions and they understand that's one of the challenges."
Mercifully, it hasn't been one-way traffic for the Rangers this off season.
Among the list of new recruits is Tarrawanna's 2019 captain Rick Goodchild, while fellow Bluey forward Jake Morlando has also joined Corrimal.
Cringila striker Ryoga Uemoto and Woonona goalkeeper Ben Wunsch have sought new pastures at Corrimal. The Rangers have also looked further afield, picking up defender Kenta Fujishiro from Japanese club Tiamo Hirakata FC. And they're not finished yet.
"There will be a couple more signings over the next couple of weeks too. Overall, I'm happy with my squad," Jonovski said.
"It's a new challenge ahead, with a new team. It's important that these new guys coming in understand our culture and our dressing room. The guys that we've signed, we've spoken to them about that in depth and they fit that culture. They're hungry for success."
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3 a week. Terms and conditions apply.