WAVERLEY BLUES FOOTBALL CLUB Founded: 1999 Joined the EFL: 1991 (Waverley FC)
Season 2015 Seniors: 11 wins, 7 losses (5th) Reserves: 12 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw – PREMIERS Under 19’s: 10 wins, 6 losses (4th)
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Often the phrases ‘rebuild’ or ‘building to something big’ are words that coaches throw around to ensure they extend their contract come seasons end. A one liner to keep the lions at arm’s length for another season.
Often this is the case, except for Waverley Blues, who head into the 2016 Season full of confidence following two seasons under senior Coach Ben Carboni.
Since taking over from Brett Davidson prior to the 2014 season, Carboni has been the leader that the young blues outfit needed both on and off the field, a club looking for its first Division 2 finals appearance.
2015 11 7 0 5th 2014 5 10 1 7th
Add to that two Reserves premierships made up of a relatively young core group as well as a talented under 19’s side that played finals in 2015. Carboni is buoyed by the improvement he has seen from a group with a severe mix of youth and experience.
“The club has a number of genuine leaders; we are expecting that nobody in the leadership group will be over 30”
“It’s like throwing them in the deep end – sink or swim. We are putting the pressure on but it is their club, we (the older players) are here for support but we are building for the future.”
For the boys from Mt Waverley Reserve it’s all about taking the next step – in 2016 injury and inconsistency are two words that can’t be used as excuses. The club continues to develop and whilst it will need everything to go right, is in the position to play finals in 2016.
“No excuses but injury and unavailability are always difficult to deal with, we have recruited for depth to lessen the impact of any injuries we get”
“We are continuing to up the ante at training, to be honest the ball movement is as sharp as I have seen it in my two seasons here.”
The Blues boast one of the strongest midfields in the Division this season. The likes of Carboni and Sharpe were able to win first use more often than not last season, expect much of the same in 2016.
“It is an area we are developing, moving the older guys out and giving the younger group more time in the centre, guys like Edwards and Hansen, who will replace the old blokes in a few years.”
The older players are still the backbone – players like Hindson, Savage and Slevison are all still genuine match winners, however Blues fans can rest assured they are in capable hands with a group of young players like McCulloch, Edwards and Nolan, all of whom have the poise and talent to win a game off their own boot.
“There has been a huge emphasise on the younger group becoming the leaders of the club”
“It’s a change of hands, we are putting the younger group in a position where the club will be in their control.”
In 2015 Waverley won the upset games but slipped up at crucial times during the season to lower placed sides in what was a competitive Division. They will need luck with injury and consistency with performance in order to see themselves partaking in September action.
On an even more positive note the club continues to grow – Waverley Blues are yet another club who are looking to field their first ever Netball EFL side. The club currently has sides competing in other competitions and is potentially looking at two sides to be called the ‘Bluebirds’ in season 2016.
The leagues Netball competition is set to grow again in 2016 with over 50 teams looking to enter this year!
The ‘Bluebirds’ are one of many joining for the first time and with heavy ties to many of the footballers will have great links to the Football Club.
Yesterday: South Belgrave