EFL 2019: Waverley Blues looking for first finals appearance since 2008

Waverley Blues’ push to end an 11-year finals drought will hinge on the development of the club’s burgeoning talent after consecutive relegations.

Bryce McGain calling the shots at Waverley Blues. Picture Davis Harrigan

Waverley Blues’ push to end an 11-year finals drought will hinge on the development of the club’s burgeoning talent after consecutive relegations.

The Bryce McGain-coached side will feature in the fourth tier of the Eastern Football League this year, just two seasons after competing in Division 2.

Waverley was demoted from the second tier at the end of 2017 and were one of six clubs bumped out of Division 3 last year as part of the EFL restructure, forming the new eight-club fourth-tier competition this season.

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The Blues last played finals when they won the 2008 Division 3 premiership but could be one of the teams to beat in 2019 after logging an 8-10 record last season.

McGain said the club’s growth would come from its under-19s and the long-term investments made in its junior programs.

“Those players now, who have been part of that junior program, are now popping out of the under-19s, so that big group, there is about 20 of them now, who are now senior footballers,” McGain said.

“We played 10 players last year who are under-19 level and played in our under-19 grand final loss.”

Veteran Matt Sharpe is the only departure of note, returning to East Ringwood after five years at Waverley.

Sharpe only played three games last year due to a serious hamstring injury but had been an important player for the Blues in his previous four seasons at the club.

McGain said Waverley “hadn’t gone out to recruit big names”.

Matt Sharpe juggles a mark during his time at Waverley Blues. Picture: David Crosling

“From the strong off-field position we’re in, we’re really clear on what our strategy is and that is growing from underneath,” he said.

“We’ve put a lot of resourcing into helping those players develop, giving them opportunity and teaching them the game of football.

“We’ve continued that path since I’ve been in charge … hopefully that’s going to bear some fruit this year.”

Division 4 grand finalists Whitehorse Pioneers and Glen Waverley Hawks were promoted last year, while South Belgrave and Warrandyte are expected to be two of the sides to beat this season.

The Bloods also unveiled former Melbourne captain Jack Grimes as one of their recruits earlier this month.

“There are really positive signs for growth in the club and I’m sure that will translate into winning more games of senior football,” McGain said.

“We’ll have greater depth in our development team and our under-19s so numbers aren’t an issue … they’re all good signs your senior team can kick on and put in the foundations for sustainable success in years to come.”

Waverley open its account against Donvale on April 6 at Mount Waverley Reserve.

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