SFNL: Mordialloc has unveiled a handful of recruits for 2025
Mordialloc has made strong inroads to its fresh start in 2025 with an early signing spree. Coach Josh Jewell tells us the Bloods’ recruiting strategy and how the five newcomers fit.
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They’ll add experience, leadership and culture.
But more importantly to Mordialloc coach Josh Jewell, they’re “good Mordy people”.
The Bloods have welcomed Luke Barnhoorn, James Keighley, Nathan Evans, Mathew DeBruin and Rex Tippett in an early off-season recruiting boom.
Tippett crosses from Cheltenham and DeBruin from Pakenham, while Barnhoorn, Keighley and Evans are making a return to Ben Kavanagh Reserve after stints away.
Jewell said the haul was “a good start” to his side’s revival after relegation but was adamant they still have “plenty of work to do”.
“We’ve made a point of bringing in good Mordy people, that’s the path I have gone down,” he said.
“Get these guys back, get a bit of leadership – as I have said before, the core group is a good bunch of young kids.
“They bring experience, leadership and add to the culture of the playing group – all positive things.”
The Bloods’ 23 game losing streak resulted in relegation from the Southern league’s top flight in 2024.
Despite the handful of additions and indications of strong retention, Jewell wasn’t ready to apply any expectations on what Mordialloc would achieve in 2025.
“It hasn’t altered any expectations because we don’t have any, we’re kind of stepping into the unknown a little bit,” he said.
“Other clubs are making their own signings as well so you go into every season expecting everyone to be better.
“We knew what we wanted to go out and do this off season and we’ve only just begun that.
“The guys who are coming back know what it takes to be successful and our retention looks really high, which is massive and another real big positive for us.
“After a tough season like last year, a lot of people would go the easy path and walk away but these guys are special and want to stick together.”
The Bloods are unlikely to field an under-19s side in 2025 but have announced they will have a women’s team.
Experienced women’s football coach Steve Rowe will steer the side.
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