It's on top of the ladder, poised to jump further ahead of the pack and now preparing to welcome back three stars who haven't played a game this season.

Coach Kyall Timms revealed he and his fellow selectors were facing some sleepless nights with gun all-rounder Stephen Gibson, opening bowler Tim Abraham and classy batsman Josh Parkinson returning in the new year.

Gibson, a former WDCA cricketer of the year, is scheduled to move back from Queensland early in the new year while Abraham and Parkinson have had delayed starts to the season because of work and personal commitments.

Timms said with Gibson and Abraham returning to opening the bowling and Parkinson to find a spot in the top order, the future was rosy.

"It will definitely sharpen us up," he said.

Timms said his squad was well aware of the trio's impending return and competition for spots was healthy.

"Depending on who is in form, we will play blokes on form and everyone knows that.

"There are no surprises. Everyone knows they have to perform to stay in the team and that is a good healthy thing for the club. It lifts performances at training and it just filters through the whole club."

Timms said the trio would give the side a lift in different areas.

He said Parkinson, who had shouldered the on-field leadership burden after he was forced out with injury last season, would give his younger players added support, not to mention his batting. Last season he made 318 runs at an average of 44.

Timms said Gibson, who missed last season's premiership after leaving mid-season, had assured him he had been working on his fitness ahead of his homecoming.

Gibson in five games last season took 15 wickets at an average of 8.5.

Abraham and Gibson would make a feared opening bowling combination, he said.

Abraham started last season as a second-change bowler but finished it as a strike bowler, taking 4-26 off 17 overs in a man-of-the-match performance in the grand final. He took 31 wickets at an average of 16 last season.