PROFILE
Despite it being twenty years without a finals’ appearance, the Blues finally appear to be on the right path – with numerous new arrivals and strong player retention having Inglewood abuzz ahead of season 2023.
But while the signs are positive that the Blues have finally turned the corner, a reality check may not be far away – with their first four games all set to come against finalists from last season (Bears Lagoon-Serpentine, Marong, Bridgewater and Mitiamo). While Inglewood’s start may be less than ideal, it will also give them an early indication of exactly where they sit in the scheme of the season – with senior coach Darrell Billett excited by the challenge that awaits his team.
“It’s been great to watch the turnaround of the club over the last few years – everyone’s up and about and looking forward to the season that’s for sure,” Billett said.
“For the club to have not played finals in almost twenty years, if we can sneak a spot in the bottom end of the five, it will be huge for the club.
“Two years ago, we were a basket case, but that’s all changed now.”
One of the key focuses through the off-season was on improving their depth, with Inglewood not only bringing in a number of recruits, but also some significant top end talent. Fergus Payne comes to the Blues from Strathfieldsaye as assistant coach, with brother Keelan and Darcy Hogan also joining him as key position prospects at both ends of the ground. Also pulling on the navy and white this season are midfielders Sam Dorevitch (Caulfield Grammarians), Sam and Daniel Polack (both Dimboola) and half back Callum March (Royal Park).
With Dorevitch and the Polack’s joining forces with Charlie Ingham, Bregon Cotchett, Alex Lowe and Charlie McGaw – who is expected to play more on-ball – in the midfield, Billett was confident that his engine room would be the equal of most opposition sides they face this season.
“Our best eighteen last year was competitive, but we just weren’t able to get them on the park very often because we had a lot of injuries and we just didn’t have any depth,” Billett said.
“We’ve really added to our depth and that, along with our midfield, will be an area of our growth this season – while we don’t want to get too excited, we know we’ll be better than last year.”
FROM THE COACH
“Growth will be the key for us, we just hope to become more competitive. Even though we did win some games last year and we were very competitive at times, we did have some very heavy losses and we must work on closing that gap.”
KEY PLAYER
Sam Dorevitch
2023 will be Dorevitch’s first in Blues colours, having spent the past few seasons plying his trade in the VAFA Premier Division with Caulfield Grammarians. A damaging midfielder with clean hands, Dorevitch’s class will be on show from the opening round.
IN’S & OUT’S
IN’S
Fergus Payne (Strathfieldsaye)
Keelan Payne (Strathfieldsaye)
Darcy Hogan (Strathfieldsaye)
Sam Dorevitch (Caulfield Grammarians)
Sam Polack (Dimboola)
Daniel Polack (Dimboola)
Callum March (Royal Park)
Harry Moore (Wycheproof-Narraport)
OUT’S
Campbell Love (Overseas)
Jasper McLelland (ACL)
James Woods
