Ambler, 21, revelled in the extra responsibility last season. His consistency through the middle was a factor in the Bushpigs’ return to finals and he finished equal fourth in the league medal count.

“It’s awesome to get Braydo signed up,” Noona said. “I’d seen him play before but I’d never seen him play like that. I think he was very happy this year and that contributed to his football. It was really pleasing to see him come into his own throughout the year when we really needed him.”

Ambler was runner-up in the club’s best-and-fairest, behind another player in his first year at CSU, Louis Miller. 

“We’re speaking to Lou pretty heavily,” Noonan said.

“We 100 percent want him at the club. He’s got to make the decision but we love him and we’d love to have him next year.”

Another midfield star, Rob Herzfeld, is set to move for university placement while key forward-ruckman Vas Seker’s job has taken him to Melbourne.

Given all of that, Stapleton’s decision to recommit is particularly important.

“Joe had people chasing him around the region and I’m really pleased he’s decided to stay,” Noonan said.

“I really hope for next year he steps it up a gear and absolutely stamps his dominance on the Farrer League.”

Stapleton arrived as a ruck-forward but Noonan remains open about his best position having played in a variety of roles last season.

“I’m a bit up in the air about it, it probably depends what we’ve got and what holes we have,” Noonan said. 

“But I’m confident wherever I put Joe that he’s going to do the job for us.”