At a club where high player turnover is virtually inevitable, Charles Sturt University expect to retain the core of their team heading into 2020 as they embark on a mission to return to finals.

Their two most consistent players of last season, best-and-fairest Lachy Moore, and runner-up Joe Stapleton, head the list of those who have re-committed, along with Brayden Ambler, Ben Keith and Max Hanrahan.

"Our focus is to concentrate on the blokes we've got there this year, that's the biggest thing," Noonan said.

"Definitely player turnover, we've been trying to negate that and keep guys on over the years and I think a lot of guys who were there will be there again next year. There's continuity in our core blokes and also within our uni blokes and they'll all be more mature next year too."

CSU have lost Liam Sweeney to Henty but remain hopeful that Louis Miller (who's overseas), Nick Wright, Jack Thompson, Sam Barrow and Tom Stapleton will be around next season, depending on their circumstances.

However, there will be a change in leadership, with Ambler stepping down as assistant coach.

"The biggest thing is to make sure Wrighty and Thommo and those boys will be back but the next big thing is to try to tie down an assistant coach for next year, someone that we want to develop for next year and going forward for the club," Noonan said.

After the disappointment of missing finals (CSU bowed out of contention in the final round when they lost to Coleambally at Peter Hastie Oval in a virtual fifth-place playoff), Noonan said he's also done some soul searching of his own.

"My main focus is to get back to what we had last year (2018). This year I think we were lacking in some areas and I definitely learnt some areas and know that I need to remedy some things in my repertoire," Noonan said.

"I've taken some advice from blokes I know who have been coaching for a few years."

Noonan is rapt in the re-signings, as Keith and Moore roll into a second season.

"Moorey was definitely a person we needed to lock down for next year, we were so happy with him this year, with his effort and what he puts into it," he said.

"You can tell that he's serious about his football - game day, post-game, at training, he's not a guy to just cruise in, everything's done at a good intensity and he leads the way."

Stapleton arrived at the club with Ambler, Wright, Will Stewart and Miller at the start of 2018 and his commitment for a third season is important.

"His year was fantastic. I think coming runner-up in the b-and-f was a reflection on how well he played for us down back as the key cut off man for us down there," Noonan said.

"He really led the group with Thomo down there and allowed the back six to really build a relationship."

Max Hanrahan's commitment is a big lift for the club. Still a newcomer, having played just two years of Australian rules, he doesn't have the resume of some of his teammates but he's built his own reputation as a vital figure within the Bushpigs.

"Max is a really, really good bloke to have around the club," Noonan said.

"I thought he was the heart and soul of the team this year and his intensity rubs off on everyone else. I think a lot of the guys feel safer with him on the ground."

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