Technically, Gordon will start the 2022 season as the reigning Shute Shield premiers although Stags coach Billy Melrose isn't giving that much thought.

“I’m worrying more about the rain at the moment than being the reigning premiers,” Melrose laughed.

“We’re the last team to win the comp but considering the end to last year, I wouldn’t say we are the reigning premiers. There’s a big difference between the two and I’d rather work towards being the next premiers rather than living in the past."