Northern Blues out to avoid complacency and maintain successful run in VAFA Division 2 in 2015

AS Hawthorn’s assault on a rare AFL threepeat takes the spotlight this year, Northern Blues Victorian Amateur Football Association side will attempt the same feat.

VAFA Division 3 grand final: Northern Blues V Richmond Centra at Garvey Oval Bundoora. Norththern Blues coach George Wakim Picture: Richard Serong

AS Hawthorn’s assault on a rare AFL threepeat takes the spotlight this year, Northern Blues Victorian Amateur Football Association side will attempt the same feat.

The Blues will compete in Division 2 in 2015, having won premierships in their first two years as a senior club after joining the VAFA.

Coach George Wakim admitted one of the club’s greatest challenges would be maintaining its hunger after achieving the ultimate success twice.

“I’ve certainly got to make sure that the boys aren’t complacent and we’ve got to keep them on their toes and create a bit of internal competitiveness to keep players really honest,” Wakim said.

George Wakim says internal pressure will be crucial at Northern Blues. Picture: Richard Serong

The Blues have retained most of their successful 2014 team, although best and fairest James King’s future remains undecided after he was courted by a Premier Division club.

Wakim said 2013 premiership players Cory Altis, Nicholas Spagnolo and Eamonn Scott had returned to the club, while ruckman Mark Humphreys and North Brunswick’s Daniel Sansonetti have signed on.

“There were a few boys that had injuries during the year or travelled and couldn’t get into the side last year,” he said.

“As far as I’m concerned they’re senior players and they’re back on board this year.

“The three boys that didn’t play last year because of travelling ... they’re really hungry and they’re going to put pressure on players.

“It’s going to be interesting ... good players at our club are probably all expecting to get into the 22 but there’s probably 30 of them trying to get in.”

He said the club had targeted height in its recruiting efforts as it aims to mount another flag challenge.

“We’ve just got to (focus) our game style to our strengths,” he said.

“The last few seasons our speed has been our strength.

“This year we will have a fair bit more height, so we might be able to go a bit more direct.”

The Blues believe internal pressure from players who missed selection in last year’s grade final side will be vital if they are to maintain the rage for another campaign.

Wakim’s side begins the 2015 season with a home game against Old Paradians on Saturday, April 11.