Collegians, who are one of the most successful first grade teams in the past decade, haven't had a team in the competition's top level for a number of years, with their last title coming in 2008.

Club president Anthony Dunn said the return to first grade is something the club has been building towards for several seasons now.

"Basically, it came about from us having a very competitive second grade team for a couple of years and we've managed to hold on to a couple of young guys," he said.

"Between last year and this year, we've picked up a couple of new players too.

"It's a good sign that we're holding onto the young guys, who are keen to play some competitive senior-level football and we're also beginning to attract players from other clubs. Both of them are good signs."

Collegians have been able to recruit ex-Abercrombie players and brothers Jack and Nick Press.

Both footballers played an important role in Abercrombie's run to the Bathurst District Football men's first grade grand final last year, with Jack Press scoring to make the score 2-0 at one stage in the decider last September.

However, minor premiers Lithgow Workman's FC would go on to mount an incredible comeback and equalise at 2-all shortly in the second half, before winning the match on a penalty shootout.

Dunn said with the addition of the Press brothers, as well as a few other recruits from Oberon and Bathurst 75, it'll help complement the existing footballers that played in the second grade squad last year.

"We didn't have that complete squad last year and probably needed a couple of first grade players to complement what we have," he said.

And while it's likely Collegians will be up against first grade regulars like Panorama, Abercrombie and CSU, Dunn wants to focus on his club becoming sustainable in the highest grade long term.

"We see the opportunity moving forward is focusing on coaching and player development," he said.

"If we can work on those two things, hopefully we'll attract new players and keep them and make sure we're staying in these top grades long term.

"We want to be realistic about the year, but we think we can be competitive and focus at a club level is that it is sustainable."

Collegians Football Club was established in 1997 and has won four first grade titles, in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Bathurst District Football will announce its senior competition draw on Tuesday, June 30, with the competition expected to start on Sunday, July 5.