MPNFL 2021: Luke Hewitt to captain Hastings

Hastings has named its captain and vice-captains as new coach Clint Einsiedel reveals how the Blues will shape up in MPNFL Division 2.

Luke Hewitt says he’s honoured and humbled to captain Hastings in 2021.

From the moment he got the Hastings coaching job last August, Clint Einsiedel was all about pace, pace and more pace.

The former Southern league 300-game player was intent on making the Blues a fast, well-drilled contender in MPNFL Division 2.

He wants his side to out run their rivals on their spacious Thomas Barclay Oval home deck.

“I think we were probably too tall — they’re only my thoughts — the last time we played in 2019 when Rick (Ferraro) was coach, we were maybe a little bit too top heavy,” Einsiedel said.

“But this year we will be a bit smaller, I think. That will have its advantages and it will probably have its disadvantages at times depending on who we play and the grounds etc.

“But I certainly believe we will be better equipped at home on the big deck.”

Clint Einsiedel coaching Springvale Districts.

Hastings announced on Sunday that premiership forward Luke Hewitt would be senior captain this season, with Terry Green and Peter Mawson as vice-captains.

It’s the first time Hewitt will captain the Blues and he said he’s honoured.

“Very honoured and humbled to come after two great captains in Micheal Agnello and Paul Rogasch, two people who both had big influences on my footy,’’ Hewitt said.

While the Blues have lost key forwards Brendan Fevola and Todd Elton, both to Deer Park, new signing Tom Backman, from Bentleigh, looks like being an excellent inclusion.

So, too, do Nathan Gray (returning from East Malvern), Heath Nash (Moyhu) and Dylan Wilson (Wangaratta Magpies).

Nathan Gray celebrates a goal during Hastings’ win in the 2016 Nepean grand final.

Hastings hosts Somerville in the season opener on Saturday.

Brad Canavan’s Somerville has recruited well, with former Frankston Dolphin Lachlan Williams, ex-Frankston Bomber star Brett Sutton and Pearcedale midfielder Trav Bravo bolstering an already talented list.

“They seem to be tracking along pretty nicely from what I’ve seen and heard,” Einsiedel said.

“They’ll certainly be one of the sides to beat.”

Einsiedel is Hastings’ first non-playing coach in almost two decades, since Leigh Carpenter in 2002.

Einsiedel coached Trafalgar in the Mid Gippsland league and took the Bloods to the premiership in 2018.

He has a reputation for fielding fast sides, full of leg speed.