By Josh Ward.
The Blackburn men’s and women’s sides will look to build on promising 2023 which saw both finish mid-table in their respective divisions
Blackburn’s men’s side finished sixth for the second consecutive year to sneak into finals, falling once again in the first week to Balwyn.
A new era is set to commence at Morton Park, with former Burners player Anthony Fagan taking over as senior men’s coach following long-time coach Brendan Allen’s departure.
“I previously spent 10 years at the club, had great memories and was pretty keen to get back involved and hopefully give players terrific experiences when they come back to the footy program,” Fagan said.
Fagan’s first foray into coaching got off to a positive start this past weekend, with Blackburn winning by 24 points over rivals Vermont.
“We thought we had a great preseason and preparation, but it was pleasing (to see) the boys getting some reward for effort.”
The first preseason for the Burners under Fagan has seen a focus on their contested work and defensive mechanics along with adding more speed to its offensive movements.
Blackburn’s two practice matches against VAFA Premier Division premiers Collegians and Essendon District Football League Premier Division outfit Aberfeldie helped fine tune their preseason workings.
“The game against Collegians was good because that prepared us for a contested style of game, which it panned out like that on the weekend, the Aberfeldie game was more an offensive style of game (and had) a bit more flow in the game.
“We felt like we were prepared for both styles of games depending on what might happen on the weekend.”
The past weekend also saw Blackburn unveil some of its newest recruits, with ex-Brisbane Lions-listed player Toby Wooller, ex-Whitefriars player Patrick Cotter and Labrador recruit Luke Coombes pulling on the red and black for the first time.
All three played in key position roles in the senior lineup, an area which Blackburn lacked towards the back half of the season according to Fagan.
“It was important for us to add some depth in those positions and all those guys played really important roles for us on the weekend.”
While they’ve started the season in strong fashion, Fagan is aware of how tough the Premier Division will be with the return of the 10-team competition.
“For us it’s just about continuing to grow and evolve as a team. It’s going to be a really tough competition, but we’re here to make sure we get better and work on our chemistry and connection as a side.
“We’re certainly not putting any ceiling on where we can get to this year, we’re pretty hungry to get after the competition and we’ll keep challenging ourselves and to get each week. We’re looking forward to seeing where it can take us.”
Blackburn will travel to Edwin Flack Reserve to face Berwick this coming round before their traditional ANZAC Day clash against South Croydon at Morton Park.
The Burners women’s program will compete in Division 2 women’s competition for the second consecutive year .
Following a winless 2022 in Division 1, the side showed plenty of improvement in 2023, winning four games and drawing against Montrose.
While the side has lost Lucy Kimpton to The Basin, many of the Blackburn Under 18 girls have signed with the seniors for 2024.
With reigning Division 2 best and fairest Mia Renee Chadwick in their line up, along with retaining majority of its lis, the Burners women’s program looks set to improve once again this coming season.
