Having won the past two premierships, the Jets applied for a promotion to the championship division but it was turned down.

"We applied and hoped to go up in the championship division, but the league decided that it was best we stayed where we were," coach Ken Epperson said.

"We would have struggled. We are losing about 70per cent of the team, so in the end it will be better for the team."

Leading the departures from last year's side is reigning league MVP Mark Rizzo.

"Losing Mark was a big loss... if we had gone up into championship division he would have stayed, but he wanted to play

in the top section," Epperson said.

Other players to leave are Adrian Mychal, Michael Thomas, Cameron Hume, Martin Pietrykowski, Rohan Bishop and Ryan Barnes.

Despite losing a number of senior players, the Jets aren't going on a big recruitment drive.

"We have promoted a few boys from our youth side, and they will play a big part in our plans," Epperson said.

"Guys like Matt Smith, Jay Boyle and Kris Blicavs will all be playing with the senior side.

"The player we are expecting to stand up is Alex Bograt King who should have a big year."

Former players Dean Egan and Tristan Cousland have also returned.

Despite all the changes in the off season, Epperson still believes his side can be competitive.

"I think that we will be competitive and compete against the really strong sides.

"We still have some experienced players who want to win as they are used to playing that way.

"We will be up and down, but I'm expecting that we can still have a good year."