35 DAYS TO GO | Waverley Blues junior president Alex McDonald spoke to EFNL Media ahead of the 2020 season, all thanks to Yarra Valley Water & Choose Tap.
Overall, were you satisfied with what the club achieved, both on and off the field, in 2019?
Alex McDonald: 2019 was a great year for Waverley Blues! We fielded strong teams in nearly all age groups, including under-14 and under-16 girls teams, and several teams made it through to the finals.
We had a terrific group of coaches, team managers and helpers both on and off the field, who ensured that all our players had fun, built their skills, and bonded as a team and as a club.
Waverley Blues has a strong base of families and supporters who are actively involved with the club, with well attended family nights throughout the season and great events in conjunction with the senior club.
We have a responsibility to help our young players to learn what’s right and wrong, and to that end, ran social awareness events tackling inclusion and respect. I’m especially proud that Waverley Blues were awarded the 2019 EFNL ‘Best Conducted Club’ award, which is great recognition of our players and officials on-field behaviour, as well as the professionalism of all of the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the club running smoothly.
The Waverley Blues were named the Gordon Parker Best Conducted Junior Club in 2019. PHOTO: Field of View Photography
Approximately how many teams do you think you will field in 2020?
AM: In 2020, Waverley Blues will again field 10 junior teams, with two girls teams (under-14 and under-16) and eight mixed/boys teams (under-9s, 15s and 17s).
What has the feeling been like around the club over the pre-season?
AM: Pre-season has started strong. We have an experienced group of coaches and other on-field helpers who have re-committed to the club for 2020, and player registrations have been steadily building, particularly in our older age groups which are nearing capacity.
Our first 2020 registration night in mid-February was well attended, with many new families signing up to join the Waverley Blues.
We have an amazing depth and breadth of talent across all age groups, and all teams are very optimistic about our ability to build on the progress we made last year. Bring on the season!
If you had to pick one, which team do you think is the club’s best chance of winning a premiership this season?
AM: It’s too soon to pick just one. All our teams have both the ability and the passion to be competitive throughout the season, I think most of them have a good chance to make the finals and to go all the way!
Is there a particular age group of players that you need as soon as possible to fill a team ahead of Round 1?
AM: We are currently still accepting new players for all of our teams, so it’s not too late to join the Waverley Blues family! We are especially seeking players for our younger age groups – under-9 and under-10, as well as our under-14 girls. Any boys and girls who will turn seven before 30 April are eligible to play under-9s, and the modified rules that EFNL have put in place make it an easy transition from Auskick.
If any players are interested in playing for your club this season, what do they have to do?
AM: Registration for new and returning players is all online, which you can reach from www.wbfc.com.au/player-registration. If you’re interested in transferring from another club, or have any questions about playing with the Blues, please contact our club secretary – Cathy on 0419 365 060 or at waverleybluesjnr@efnl.org.au.