NFL 2019: Collingwood VFL midfielder Jack Blair signs at Heidelberg

Heidelberg’s list will be filled with P-plate drivers in 2019, but the Tigers have signed the brother of a Collingwood premiership player.

Jack Blair celebrates a goal during his time at Collingwood in the VFL. Picture: Michael Klein

Heidelberg’s list will be filled with P-plate drivers in 2019, geared towards a return to Northern Football League finals.

The Tigers will again promote their youth this year, buoyed by a 10-8 record last year after losing a host of decorated players.

Heidelberg coach Frank Raso tipped Heidelberg would continue to blood its under-19s after the retirement of premiership pair Mathew Pianto and Callum Lewis, while Harrison Payne and Chris Ryan have also hung up the boots.

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The retirements come on the back of Charles Gaylard, Paul Bower, Adam Symes and Marcus Marigliani departing at the end of 2017, leaving the Tigers to turn to their emerging talent.

But their losses will be offset by the addition of Collingwood VFL onballer Jack Blair, the younger brother of 2010 premiership player Jarryd.

Blair brings 39 games of state league experience to Warringal Park and will play a vital role through the midfield and in the forward line.

And with the likes of Fletcher Carroll, Patrik Della Rocca, Matthew Cecchin, Brydan Hodgson, Nathan Honey, Anthony Fable and Lachie Wilson emerging at the Tigers, there’s reason for optimism around Heidelberg.

“That’s a critical loss on the short-term,” Raso said of the departures.

“That means some of our kids … have to really step up and cover their roles probably a bit earlier than what we would have liked.

“We played 16 under-19s last year and 10 of them played over 10 games and we want to continue to get more game time into those guys.”

Jack Blair in and under in his time in the VFL. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Anthony Bonaddio has also joined Heidelberg after three years away from the game due to work commitments and will add another dimension to the midfield, while Josh Minogue and Will Knight, who both played just five games last year, will also make welcome returns.

Raso said Heidelberg’s emphasis this season would remain on development.

“That’s our real training model at the moment because the majority of our side is under 20,” he said.

“We had an intra game of 14 on 14 a couple of weeks ago and I reckon we had three that were over 20.

“I was talking to some of our supporters last week … they’re just excited to see a different sort of model at Heidelberg, where the previous models have been all about bringing in high-end, experienced players on big wages.
“Now we’re all about bringing in the best kids that are 17, 18, 19 years old and to see us win games with kids, the supporters have just a got a whole new lease of life.”

Heidelberg opens its season against West Preston-Lakeside at J.E Moore Park on April 6.

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