Danny Blomeley – Football Operations Manager
2017 Leaders
President – Tony Baker Senior Coach – Robert Johns Senior Captain – TBA
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
This season already has seen a significant shift ‘on & off’ the field with new coaching staff, heavy investment in the football operations department and the rebuilding of our new clubrooms (under construction at present).
Our strategy and focus as a club is to ‘reboot’ our culture on & off the field which is a journey of at least 3-4 years.
What has the pre-season been like so far for the club, is there any group that have impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits etc.)
We have had some significant departures from last season which is ok with where we are at as a club. All departing players have left with our best wishes as some wanted to play at a higher level than Division 3 and some of the more mature players wanted to drop down a division/league to enjoy their final season/s of football.
Our recruiting has been solid with some good size and experience entering the club. We have a window of 3-4 years of younger players coming through that we need to capitalize on starting this year with 9 quality players coming up from the 19’s and an expected 12+ next season.
Our recruiting of quality players of Cam Hansen, Aaron Purvis and Steve Colosimo provides much needed depth and strength to our midfield. In addition the much improved fitness of several 2013 premiership players that hardly played in season 2016, provides much needed excitement & confident around the club.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
There is no doubt that 2017 will test our club in many areas given we will not have clubrooms for the most part of the season; however South Belgrave has a fantastic community feel and we are confident that everyone will pull together during this time. The new LED lights which will see three night games – adds huge excitement to the club.
Our committee remains strong and a real focus and investment of additional resources in the Football Department supports our three-year strategy.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
Work hard and the results will come – we feel as though we fell short last season in a few areas and we are heavily focused on improving the organization, structures, culture, junior development and future of the club
Who are the players who you think will have a break-out season, who may have gone under the radar in the past as far the being known across the EFL community?
We blooded some young players last season who have now had a taste of senior football. Our pipeline of young players is the best it has been for 5 years+.
Also, the return of Alex Benbow & Harry O’Neil from our 2013 premiership augurs well. The improved fitness of Tom Hallinan, Nick Stow, Brad Conder, Alex Bakens & Lucas Topp will pay dividends and our pace of Dan Cormack, TJ Withers, Sean Bartels, Danny Clarke, Sam Brown will be a major factor this season
Where does the club see itself in 3 years’ time? We must be playing in a Div 3 preliminary Final or Grand Final.
Finally, who in your Division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
It’s great to see Ferntree Gully move up to Division 3 as our rivalry dates back some time with games played for the Çolby Cup. But realistically the difference in Division 3 between the bottom 8 sides is minor and is often decided within a few goals, so every team presents a challenge but also an opportunity.
We need to improve on our five wins last season and a finals berth would be a bonus this coming season.