SFNL: What to expect from Heatherton under new coach Blake Wadley

A foundation built on connection will lead Heatherton into a new era under the guidance of freshly appointed coach Blake Wadley.

Blake Wadley speaks intently to his side. Picture: Supplied.

Connection will underpin a new era at Heatherton under freshly appointed coach Blake Wadley.

The Southern league Division 3 preliminary finalists will have a new man at the helm after under-19 premiership coach Wadley took over from Matt Shorey.

Wadley, 29, has already served a fair coaching apprenticeship.

After several injuries ended his playing days, Wadley assisted as a runner at Beaumaris for Guy McKenna and Adam Schneider.

From there, Wadley coached a women’s development team at Coburg and aided the senior side.

He joined Heatherton in 2024 and steered the under-19s with all but two bottom-agers to the premiership.

Wadley said it was McKenna and Schneider who sparked his passion for coaching and he will take an element of their philosophy to the Tunners this season.

“The list goes on, probably the main thing is the connection with the players and how important that is,” Wadley said of things he learned under the two ex-AFL men.

“That was probably the biggest thing I took away from especially Schneids, he had a really good connection with the players before he went off to GWS.

“Seeing how Bluey operates, unique at times, but different styles and approaches to coaching was interesting.”

Wadley speaks to the under-19s in 2024. Picture: Supplied.

The first thing Wadley wanted when he took Heatherton’s top job was a strength and conditioning team.

He believes structure around the Tunners’ fitness will support their bid out of Division 3.

“We have added a bit to our list which is always handy and haven’t lost too much,” he said.

“It’s really going to come down to the players, if they want to do the work and take the next step.

“I don’t believe we are a Division 3 club. The work behind the scenes with JR (Justin Reynolds) and the committee, it showed me that we’re not a Division 3 club and shouldn’t be in Division 3.”

Wadley says he’s “pretty relaxed” on game day and enjoys the strategic side of coaching.

He won’t deviate from the approach that proved successful last year, keeping a focus on ball speed and contest.

Heatherton huddle before the game. Picture: Andrew Batsch

“I will be taking notes, addressing it and learning on the spot – we’re always learning, can always learn from each other, in game we’ll be focused and engaged,” he said.

“As a team we’re going to be a team who tries to move the ball pretty quick and has a strong contest base as well.”

Heatherton has added a further 15 players to its under-19s program to continue future proofing its senior side.

“The nineteens program again should be strong, at this stage we’re looking at having 30 to 35 players who will feed into the seniors in coming years,” Wadley said.

“All of my nineteens (except two) from last year can play again, they’re going to add a fair bit to the senior group this year but more so next year.

“I suspect they’re going to be quite strong again this year which is pretty exciting … there should be four to five that put their hand up for seniors every week.”