McKinnon was pleased to announce that Hawkesdale and Grassmere would both return to the top grade after four and one season absences respectively.

"Our competition has really solidified in the last couple of years," he said.

"I think we've got the best competition in the area.

"Not in terms of the standard, but the atmosphere of games and the social nature of the competition.

"We also have consistent playing conditions every week, always playing on a hard wicket."

McKinnon said A grade could potentially be a 10-team competition in 2010-11, with Woolsthorpe still a chance to join the top grade.

Hawkesdale has made the jump after claiming the B grade premiership in March while it almost endured the previous season undefeated but lost the grand final.

Cats spokesman Jamie Williams said promotion was a major aim for the club.

"You always want to play at the elite level," he said.

"We had our AGM a fortnight ago and the players agreed that they would step up."

Hawkesdale will be busy recruiting and finalising a coach in the coming weeks.

Fellow returnee Grassmere, one of the association's founding teams, has secured Chris Lenehan, from Nirranda, as its coach.

Craig Spikin was set to captain the Meerkats last season but a week before it started, they were forced to withdraw because of a lack of numbers.

"It's good to be back," clubman Spikin said.

"At this stage we're just looking at an A grade team.

"We've been able to get a few blokes who play footy together (to commit)."

Spikin said Grassmere stalwart John McDonald was sure to support the side .

"He's a great man to have at the club," he said.

GCA will start in early October, with the date of the season opener yet to be confirmed.

The association will continue its colts and under 13s, which McKinnon said were ideal launching pads for aspiring senior cricketers.