The A's insist they are stronger than 12 months ago when they lost the group grand final to a red-hot Melton.

John Varchione, the A's playing assistant coach, sees no reason why his side cannot be the champions of the south-west group.

"I think we're a big chance," he said.

"We've beaten Melton during the year and let the game slip against Caulfield.

"We think we've got the team [to win it].

"We're better prepared than last year."

The A's make-up is clearly stronger than it was last summer. The inclusions of former district cricketers Christian Hewett and Aaron Maynard have made a noticable difference.

Hewett overcame a slow start to become one of the most damaging batsmen in the competition with five half-centuries leading into last Saturday's final round one-dayer.

Maynard has been stop-start with the bat, only scoring two half-centuries.

His value as an all-rounder is magnified by the 13 wickets he's taken at 17.6.

"Their inclusions has added a bit of depth to the club," Varchione said.

"It makes the twos stronger and the guys have to perform to keep their places in the side.

"They've been excellent, showing their experience around the club and on the field."

The A's sole use of Mark McAllion as coach has been a success.

A former district cricketer with Carlton after playing in the juniors and seniors with Altona, McAllion has entered the next phase of his cricket career in a coaching capacity and is unlikely to look back.

"Having a non-playing coach has helped," Varchione said.

"He doesn't have the burden of having to perform himself week in and week out. He's got plenty of experience to share."

The A's eveness is what sets is apart, according to Varchione.

You have Varchione who sits second on the competition's runscorers' list with 542 runs at 45, including two centuries.

Maynard is tipped to set the finals alight with the bat and continue his steady work with the ball.

Matthew Boglis is a spinner in form.

New-ball operators Glenn Sullivan and Charlie Kilpatrick are continually getting under the guard of top order batting line-ups. Gordon MacFarlane, the old stager of the team, shows no signs of slowing down. Tim Collins can turn a game in an instant.

"I think the difference from this year to last year is we didn't expect to get where we ended up last year whereas this year we planned and prepared to get to this point," Varchione said.

"The finals are here and we're ready to go."