New Sturt coach Nathan Grima bringing elements of dominant Central sides to Unley Oval

Nathan Grima quickly dismisses any suggestion the Double Blues will be at a disadvantage this season because of their recruiting. The new Sturt coach has prioritised character over paying for ex-AFL talent.

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Nathan Grima quickly dismisses any suggestion the Double Blues will be at a disadvantage this season because of their recruiting.

In fact, the new Sturt boss views just three significant ins and outs as a major positive in the settled side he inherits from Marty Mattner.

Taking over from the dual premiership mentor, Grima has been tasked with recharging the Blues following a third-placed finish but a disappointing semi-final exit last season.

The 2007 Central District premiership player, who wants to bring elements of the culture of the dominant Bulldogs teams to Sturt, said he prioritised character, hard workers and stability over paying to bring in ex-AFL talent.

Sturt skipper Zane Kirkwood epitomises the hard-working qualities Grima wants to bring the the Double Blues. Picture: Tom Huntley

“I couldn’t be happier with the list we’ve put together,” Grima said.

“We’ve got a pretty settled group, which helps.

“It’s always nice if you can bring a top five or 10 player into the comp but they’re bloody hard to acquire and every club wants them.

“And you don’t want to overpay, just because they’ve been on an AFL list.

“On the surface it may look good to bring a big name out of the AFL but I think you’ve still got to look at things at this level like do they really want to compete, work full-time and adapt and fit in with the group.

“Being a part of it is a really big thing for me, so the character of guys is really important.

“That’s one thing I love about this group - their character.”

Danyle Pearce returns as the club’s key signing. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Forward Shane McAdam will be a big loss after he was picked up by the Crows. Picture: Sarah Reed

Sturt junior Danyle Pearce has returned from Fremantle for what Grima described as the right reasons, while Footscray tall Josh Patullo and Strathmore medium forward Tom Condon also arrive.

Ruckman Jack Osborn (retired) and talented forward Shane McAdam (Adelaide) will be missed along with former Melbourne Demon Rory Taggert.

Grima believes Sturt’s improvement will come from within.

Emerging forward Hugo Munn was one of the hard-luck stories of November’s AFL drafts but will have the opportunity to establish himself as a league footballer.

Tough midfielder Tom Lewis also missed out on selection but will not play in 2019 after tearing his ACL in a trial match against Central District.

“We’re pretty fortunate we’ve got a good group of young guys who can carry the baton if a few of those older guys go in the next couple of years,” Grima said.

“I think it’s important to have the older guys to be looking over their shoulder at the young guys coming through.”

Youth is certainly on Sturt’s side.

Pearce is the oldest player on the list at 32, with skipper Zane Kirkwood and defender Fraser Evans, both 28, the next most senior.

GUN RECRUIT

In a team with no other players older than 28, Danyle Pearce, at 32, will stick out but the Double Blues will hope his experience will stand out even more. The former Power and Fremantle left-footer should ooze class at this level and complement a strong inside midfield group. Pearce still has plenty left in the tank and last season was joint best-and-fairest at Peel Thunder.

ONE TO WATCH

Key forward Josh Patullo has been recruited from Footscray in the VFL and could be crucial to Sturt’s hopes. The 200cm 21-year-old will be asked a lot of, playing as the Blues’ focal point in attack and ruck support for Tom Read. Coach Nathan Grima hoped he would thrive with the opportunity, describing Patullo as a player who could become very good at SANFL level.

Unsure if @brodiegrundy or Josh Patullo 🧐 pic.twitter.com/yy5XtKtuLj

— SANFL (@SANFL) March 13, 2019

RISING STAR

Sturt has a strong crop of under-18s coming through and tough on-baller Jed McEntee could be the pick of the bunch. A ferocious tackler and contested ball-winner, 18-year-old McEntee is one of four Double Blues in the SA hub of the AFL Academy. He dominated at times as a bottom-ager in the SANFL under-18s last season. While breaking into a settled Sturt line-up will be tough, McEntee could see some action in between state duties.

BIG OFF-SEASON

Grima said he is “bullish” on experienced utility Byron Sumner, pictured, after the former Sydney Swan’s impressive off-season. Sumner has upped his commitment and shaved time off his time trial. The 27-year-old could up his game this season and be a valuable, versatile asset.

2018 SEASON RECALL

Fourth

Best and fairest: 1 Tom Harms, 2 Zane Kirkwood, 2 Sam Colquhoun

Leading goalkicker: Mark Evans 42

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