Excuses, excuses, excuses. Now you're bringing up the age factor. Your team has an average age of 27. Sure, some of them are in their mid 30's, but who cares? Majority of your players are in their prime so quit making this excuse.
Hey, do me a favor - Think about what you just said. 1996 is in the past. So is 2004, so quit bragging about it. It doesn't matter how recently you won.