Wanderers utility Neil Vea Vea believes Muk Muks are showing signs from their 2015 NTFL title

WANDERERS utility Neil Vea Vea is known for the energy he brings to his team and, after just one game back for the Eagles this NTFL campaign, he’s seen enough to compare the current outfit to its most recent glory years.

Star Wanderers utility Neil Vea Vea believes his team has recaptured the form that saw it experience NTFL premiership glory in 2015. Picture: Keri Megelus

WANDERERS utility Neil Vea Vea is known for the energy he brings to his team and, after just one game back for the Eagles this NTFL campaign, he’s seen enough to compare the current outfit to its most recent glory years.

The popular veteran was a part of the Muk Muks’ most recent Premier League title victory in the 2014-15 competition, and he’s seen plenty of similarities in this season’s outfit.

“The boys are up and about at the moment and it’s reminding me of the team we had from 2013 to 2015,” Vea Vea – who will miss Saturday’s Round 13 blockbuster against Southern Districts at TIO Stadium due to pre-season training commitments with his SANFL club Glenelg – told the NT News.

Wanderers coach Shannon Motlop has welcomed the return of experienced utility Neil Vea Vea

Star Wanderers fly-in utility Neil Vea Vea still yet to play, but Muk Muks coach Shannon Motlop impressed with star juniors, led by Beau O’Connell and Ronald Fejo

NTFL: Wanderers and Thunder star Neil Vea Vea swaps jumper for stint at SANFL club Glenelg

“Guys like Shaun Mannagh and Dane McFarlane are leading the way up forward, and Brodie Newman has been our general down back.

“The boys have all jumped on board with how they want to play this season and they’ve brought life back into this great club.

“Our loss to St Mary’s hurt last round before Christmas (Vea Vea’s return game from broken ribs he suffered playing for the Tigers in the premier South Australian competition).

“But I think it wasn’t as bad as it looked and we’re still in a great position.”

There has been plenty of talk surrounding the respective bright futures of a bunch of star Wanderers juniors, including Beau O’Connell and Ronald Fejo.

Wanderers utility Neil Vea Vea – playing for Glenelg in the SANFL – competes for possession with Sturt’s Jack Stephens at Unley Oval. Picture: Matt Loxton/AAP Image

But Vea Vea believes it is proud Eagles veterans Braedon McLean and Simon Bates who are leading the way on and off the field this season.

“Ronnie Fejo has a run and step similar to (former Essendon star) Leroy Jetta. He’s such an exciting player with a bright future,” the Wanderers tall man said.

“He’s someone who can really excel in this game and I hope he takes the next step up.

“And we’ve got older heads like Braedon McLean, Simon Bates and Brenton Motlop who just don’t want to keep seeing their club suffer.

Neil Vea Vea – playing for Glenelg – attempts to punch the ball from the hands of Central’s Darcy Fort. Picture: Tait Schmaal

“They’re all bringing a great positive mindset, and putting their best foot forward and doing everything they can to give back to the club. Now (after the Christmas break) we don’t want to dawdle – we want to keep playing our strong brand of football.”

Vea Vea has earned plenty of respect at the Tigers with his no-holding-back physical style on the field.

This was typified when he played through broken ribs last SANFL season.

“I thought it was a stich at first but I couldn’t take deep breaths,” he said.

“I came back on in the fourth quarter, and I felt OK playing back at Wanderers before Christmas.

“I moved down to Adelaide in 2018 and wanted to challenge myself and I’ve really enjoyed it.

“I feel like I’ve improved my game, I’ve played all over the ground and I’ve just prided myself on working hard.”