The bomber of the bunch. When Brendan connects, the ball travels far enough to need a customs clearance. Back for his second appearance and on a mission to erase the memories of last year's Stableford Sunday front nine — effectively 15 goals down at half time in AFL terms with his team in disarray. He's got the game and swagger for a "follow me lads" moment. The watch on Brendan: can he keep the driver under control.

The silent assassin. Gary doesn't say much, but when he does, it's usually to announce a birdie. Calm, composed, and capable of shooting numbers that turn heads — the kind of player you only notice when you realise he's already two up and about to go three clear. Here for the golf and here to win. Period. His off-course recovery involves a hired hyperbaric chamber and a travelling nutritionist, which explains why he's not staying with his team. Don't let him convince you otherwise. Won't double down for the Silly Goose Hat this year. Surely.

First up start for Matthew Smith. A proud member of Melbourne Airport Golf Club — rumoured to do his best work somewhere between the terminal and the 18th green. Matt is expected to navigate the fairways with flair, composure and just enough quiet confidence to make the rest uneasy. Question is: will the influence of friends-gone-wild (Hughes et al.) affect his output, or will the long, well-manicured fairways of Yarrawonga be where he takes flight?

The token lefty and master of the strategic iron off the tee. James plays the game his way — quietly, controlled, and often annoyingly effective. Uses a heart rate monitor to ensure peak performance. Still chasing his first weekend win; his 0-2 record is a constant talking point to anyone who'll listen. Expect crisp contact, controlled right-to-left fades, a strong putting game (potentially with a club that is not a putter), and a noticeable chip on his shoulder.

Cayden has an unmatched ability to find good lies where none exist. If you hear the sound of a bus barrelling down the fairway, don't panic — it's just Cayden's big square-faced driver. A self-proclaimed human fairway finder who doesn't miss fairways, period. If he misses one this year, someone probably distracted him mid-backswing.

The workhorse of the weekend. Scott's one of the most frequent golfers in the group and improving every season — a driving force behind the Annual Golf Extravaganza. Don't be fooled by the friendly smile; beneath it lies a man who is absolutely here to win. Loves the beers and will ensure any opposition player's glass is constantly topped up. Don't mistake the laid-back exterior under that bucket hat. There's a competitor in there.

The perennial smokey. When he's on, he's on. Freestun has that rare ability to light up a course out of nowhere — his calm demeanour and light repetitive foot-tampering at address masks a dangerously competitive edge. First picked in almost any team at his handicap. When his swing clicks, fairways shrink, greens enlarge, and the field gets nervous. The temperament of a pro, the unpredictability of a weekend warrior.

The tactician and one of the main men behind the annual golf events. His golf doesn't talk — so his strategy will. He'll either be plotting pairings to give his team the best chance of a win, or fine-tuning his wedge game to thin another one straight across the green. Nathan loves the golf weekend, with skill and ambition often being misunderstood by those who haven't seen him at full tilt.

The Smiling Assassin. Don't be fooled by the grin — Steve hasn't lost yet and isn't planning to start now. Universally liked, with a knack for being underestimated right up until he's shaking your hand on 18. Spectators are advised to stand to the right of the fairway — his driver has been known to explore the scenic route hard left off the tee box.

The great unknown. Handicap still pending, reputation for early-morning beers already confirmed. Jimmy's a crowd favourite and most people haven't even met him yet. Paired with Robert Hughes, this duo promises chaos, comedy, and possibly greatness. Early scouting reports describe him as "dangerous." Whether that applies to his golf or his nightlife remains to be seen. Either way, eyes will be on Jimmy.

Equal parts golfer, entertainer, and hydration specialist — maybe a little less golfer on second thought. Unbeaten across 3 weekends for the Pub Captain's Choice Award, and this year won't be any different. Famous for his hand wedge technique. Rob plays the game with a smile and a stubby, always up for a laugh and never short of an excuse. He's here to be the group's DJ (4 songs in the playlist), make memories, and win something he didn't know he was competing for.

A walking, talking commentary track. Few men can talk their way through a round quite like Ben. His sledging is as relentless as his enthusiasm, and while he's yet to prove golf is his main focus, he's unbeaten at talking opponents out of form (1-0 record). Known to hit his fifth off the tee and still walk away with par. Ben is golf's version of chaos — living proof that persistence and creative maths pays off — and we wouldn't have it any other way.