It was a season of mixed fortunes for Sunshine in the VSDCA south-west division that featured a number of frustrating batting collapses as well as a remarkable reverse outright win against finals-bound Moorabbin.

"We're probably lacking real consistency over the course of the year," Webb said.

"That's been our main problem, we've had some really good efforts against the top teams but then we have struggled against teams we should beat." Sunshine's fluctuating form could be attributed to a youthful line-up that boasts an average age of just 23.

"We've got a number of young guys that have dominated junior cricket over the years and have now moved into the firsts," Webb said.

"We need these guys to take the next step for us to move towards playing finals. It's probably a case of maturity, and we think our young guys aren't far away."

One rising star that looks set to build on a solid 2009-10 season is Evan Bassingthwaighte.

The 20-year-old approached 300 runs for the season, with a season-high knock of 75 against Yarraville one of the highlights of what has been at times a difficult season. While a genuine finals tilt was always out of the equation for a team mired in the lower regions of the ladder, Webb is sure they can turn their fortunes around and challenge for top-four honours down the road as long as there is a distinct change of mindset.

"Our season was probably hurt by us not being match-ready from the outset," Webb said.

"I think the biggest change we can make is to improve our professionalism so we don't get off on the wrong foot.

"We also need to establish a winning mentality. A few times this season we've got into a position to win games but then not really known how to go through with it."