Entering his third campaign as coach, Donnolley is confident the group has the ability to go one further in 2020 and play finals.

Donnolley will coach the side on his own this year after co-coach Jeremy Payne stepped back following the birth of his first child, but will remain as a player.

He'll have plenty of support around him with the bulk of the list staying together, apart from Oscar Smart, who is set to join rival outfit Old Canberrans.

"That's the reason I'm not too fazed about it (coaching alone) because I know I've still got him (Payne) there if I need him and there's a lot of other boys willing to step up," Donnolley said.

"With all the hard work we've put in the last couple of years, the side pretty much runs itself.

"I was hoping to step back and have an easier year for myself to concentrate on playing, but we didn't really have much interest, so I've taken it on again."

ALSO IN SPORT:

Donnolley is keen to continue playing, but is mindful coaching will take more of a precedence this year.

"I want to make sure I'm still at that level and am able to help out on the field, if I'm not I'll keep the bench warm I guess (laughs)," he said.

"There's a lot more to it (coaching) than I first thought. The main thing is trying to gain respect from the playing group.

"It doesn't matter how much you know, if the team doesn't respect you, you're going nowhere.

"You've got to show that what you're telling them is actually going to work and I've found being a playing coach, I've been able to get that across a lot easier."

A genuine finisher in front of goal has been lacking for the Spitfires the past two years and it's certainly an area they're looking to target.

"We created as many, if not more chances than other teams, but they'd get their one opportunity and put it away, whereas we'd get our five and not put any away," Donnolley said.

"Jeremy Maggs is going to come back this year because he made the Aussie masters team for over-35s.

"Ben Allen has come back from overseas, so hopefully he'll be keen to have a run.

"Oscar (Smart) is still here at the moment, but they've got work lined up for him there and they're going to look after him pretty well, which is what he needs to do to get the better exposure and make those Aussie teams."

Englishman Joe Forster also isn't a certainty to return due to issues with his visa.

"It's disappointing because he had a really good year last year," Donnolley said.

"He tried to get an extended visa, but it's been too hard and too expensive."

The Spitfires will hope to cover those losses with some international recruits.

"The Scots School have approached us with an offer that they'll provide board for players if they help out around the school," Donnolley said.

"Where (teammate) Dom Wild was playing in Scotland, he's got a couple of blokes interested. He reckons they're a pretty high standard.

"There's also an Argentinian guy the association has been in talks with.

"We haven't had the financials to do it in the past as there's no money in hockey.

"We've also got a few young blokes that are keen this year as well and will fit in quite nicely."

The Capital League draw is yet to be confirmed, but the Spitfires are hoping to secure more double-headers away from home to lessen travel commitments.

"It makes it harder for some of the other teams because they will have to travel down here twice. We've got to start pushing a bit more to make them uncomfortable instead of us folding every time they want something," Donnolley added.