Blues “basics” to enable boost in 2023

WINCHELSEA’S “build”, which began at the start of last season and into 2023, is expected to provide noticeable dividends over the next five months according to Blues head coach Christian “Butch” Shaw.

The Blues fielded 24 senior debutants in 2022 with Shaw and his staff signing 14 more for 2023, but Butch isn’t too concerned about the lack of familiarity.

“In terms of what we’re going to get out of this squad is a bit of an unknown with so many new faces, but it’s exciting in that regard,” Shaw said.

“We’ve got some really good players coming into the team, some ex-juniors who have added some GFL experience to their repertoire, but also some guys who are Geelong locals that have moved into the area.

“Overall, we’re pretty positive and excited about this year and how it will unfold.”

Winchelsea, alongside Thomson, were the only two GDFL sides in 2022 classified as mid-tier teams, concluding the campaign in seventh with a record of eight wins and 10 losses.

However, the addition of former Newcomb captain Brenton Rees, Newtown & Chilwell player and former junior Tavae Sauni will bolster the side’s experience.

Other local recruits include Modewarre’s Baxter Boddington, Newcomb brothers Coby Eagle and Jaidyn Eagle, Jordan Gould and Indy Parish from Grovedale, Ammos’ Luke Henry, as well as Riley Berg and Baden Remmos (formerly Winchelsea).

From further afield are Benalla Saints pick-ups Aaron Cooke, Matthew Gillespie and Adam Walsh, while North Warrnambool’s Jai Perry and Horsham’s Jonty Scott round out the recruits list.

Shaw stated that the language used will be similar to 2021, the age-old adage of “focusing on the basics”.

“It’s true for us, we won’t be expecting to do all these tricks and magic plays, that’s not what we’re focusing on,” Shaw added.

“If we can just do the basic things really well, we should win the majority of games we play. Nothing’s going to change from last year in that regard, the only difference this year is probably an increase in depth and our ability to run out games.

“We have a bit more polish in our team with some GFL experience, so you can put a little more expectation on the group to perform, but again the direction will be to do the basics really well.”

Winchelsea will test their mettle against the region’s best prior to Round 1, having faced BFL finalist Geelong Amateur a week ago (March 10), facing CDFL side Birregurra later today (March 17) and taking on reigning GDFL premiers Bannockburn next Friday (March 17).

The Blues football and netball sides host Belmont at Eastern Reserve on April 1 in a twilight fixture at 5.30pm.