SFNL: Josh Jewell has extended with Mordialloc and is keen for a ‘serious’ fresh start

Mordialloc has locked Josh Jewell in for next year and he has already orchestrated a plan to “build something special” with the Bloodhounds.

Mordialloc coach Josh Jewell. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Recently-appointed Mordialloc coach Josh Jewell has identified where Mordialloc could improve in 2025.

Jewell, who stood in as interim for the departed Ben McGee, has signed on as Mordialloc’s senior coach.

Jewell thinks “the sky is the limit” for the young Bloodhounds and wants to fast-track their development with sprinklings of experience.

“The exciting part is that we’re keeping a young list together and we can add to it,” he said.

“We’ve got young kids, this is a special group and I can now bring in some senior players to help develop the kids we’ve already got – I want to build to something special.

“I am not saying I want to bring in 10 seasoned veterans, I want to get the right mix.

“I want to develop the kids we’ve got, bring some more in, this playing group has done a good job at bringing mates, we want to continue that trend because that’s how you build culture.

“We’re not going to go away from that but while they’re still young so we want to give them some help.”

Josh Jewell watches on. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mordialloc is 0-12 and headed for relegation.

But Jewell is already looking forward to day one of pre-season, when he and the playing group can start rectifying its poor year.

“When players rock up day one they’ll know we’re serious,” he said.

“We’re not going to take lightly how this season has gone, we will be building fitness, strength up and knowing what the game plan is from the outset.

“We want everyone to have fun but you’re having a lot more fun when you’re winning and it takes hard work to win.”

Among the young players Jewell is excited about is ball-winner Nick Grech.

Grech is averaging 35 disposals in 2024, which was boosted by 47 against St Paul’s McKinnon on Saturday.

Jewell echoed the importance of adding experience around youth when he praised Grech’s season.

“He’s been super, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

“We’ve got other boys doing the work as well, kids jumping in winning the contested ball, I look at and their age and think ‘the sky is the limit’.

“Someone like Grech, there’s no fluke he gets that much footy, he works hard off the ground.

“If we can help build him, there’s VFL footy … hopefully the club and myself can help him get where he wants to be.”

Mordialloc hosts Springvale Districts this Saturday.