By Josh Ward
Overview:
The Blues were a contender yet again in 2021 and despite the occasional slip-up, showed they were worth – almost – all the pre-season hype.
The Blues finished fourth under new coach Tom Langford and had an 8-4 record and were much more of a threat heading into finals, winning their last four in a row before COVID ended this season.
They finished with three members in the Team of the Year and five in the squad, but have already suffered two big blows this offseason in losing Matt Sharpe and Paul Savage, and will look to replace those two and contend for the premiership in 2022 yet again.
Best Win: Round 12 at Ferntree Gully (Waverley Blues 5.10.40 defeated Ferntree Gully 3.16.34)
On an Antarctic-like day in early July, the Blues may have kicked their lowest score of 2021, but it was enough to outlast – then – second-placed Ferntree Gully by one straight kick.
Having lost to the Eagles last time by 59 points, Waverley fought back after being down by 13 at quarter time and managed to kick the only points/goal in the second half to defeat Ferntree Gully in a scrappy matchup at Wally Tew Reserve.
Jaye O’Connell got back to form with three goals, being named Best on Ground for the first time in 2021. Dimitrios Roufos, Tyson Hale, Luke Gogis, Ben Turner and Ryan Serpanchy were also named in the best, with Serpanchy picking up the three B&F votes.
Roufos also picked up two votes and Ferntree Gully star Daniel De Ieso picked up one as the Blues got payback for their round three loss and continued their good form in recent weeks.
Worst Loss: Round 6 at Central Reserve (Waverley Blues 5.11.41 defeated by Glen Waverley 5.12.42)
Up against a solid Hawks side and coming off a 25-point win against fellow contenders East Burwood, the Blues inconsistent start to 2021 continued as they went down in the Battle of Waverley for the first time since their relegation and Glen Waverley’s promotion.
On a wild Melbourne day down at Central Reserve, after a tight first half, the Blues held a 17 point lead at three quarter time, but they couldn’t hold on as the Hawks outscored them despite kicking 2.7 to win by the solitary point.
Paul Savage kicked two on the day and got one B&F vote as well as being named Waverley’s best, with playing coach Tom Langford, Jaye O’Connell, Luke Gogis, Sam Mier and Matthew Sharpe also named in the best.
However, Adam Amin kicked two goals and Andrew Murray and Luke Broad picked up three and one votes as Glen Waverley picked up their second win of 2021 and the Community Bank Pinewood Cup, with Waverley continuing their inconsistent start to 2021.
Standout Player: Matt Perry
Coming across from VAFA side Ormond AFC, Perry was the best forward in his first season not just for Waverley, but in the entire Division.
He booted 37 goals in 10 games, kicked at least one goal every game and had four games with five or more goals, being named in Waverley’s best six times, including a best on ground in his first game.
Had five votes in the division three B&F count, three of which came in the round five win vs East Burwood. Was named in the forward pocket in the Team of the Year and has already re-signed with the Blues. Will be crucial to their premiership aspirations in 2022
Offseason Plans:
Waverley (at time of writing) have already re-signed majority of their best players in 2021, but they will lose Waverley legends Paul Savage and Matt Sharpe to retirement.
Whilst they’ll look to re-sign the majority of their list, they’ll need to bring in a couple of midfielders to replace the massive hole Savage and Sharpe leave in that midfield.
It is a very talented midfield, but they’re going to need to acquire more depth there with the retirement of these two Blues legends because if they can’t, it’ll be pretty hard for them to challenge for the 2022 third division premiership and promotion.