Waverley Blues is fielding an Over 35 side again in 2024

Please contact Glenn Hislop on 0438 515 358 to find out more.

Vets 2023 Report 

After years of idle talk I finally succumbed to the pressure and agreed to try to help put together an assortment of over-35 year-old men to play in the Eastern Football League Men’s Veterans Competition. Back in November 2022 I put the word out that we would try to get the numbers to field a team and on a gorgeous Friday after work about six of us turned up to get the ball rolling. A jog and a kick and a refreshing drink to end the week was just what the doctor ordered and soon those numbers blossomed to about 12 by February. News spread and after some shrewd recruiting from amongst the past players and from dads of junior players and their friends, we committed to playing the season.

The first thanks goes to Mick McNess for putting his hand up to coach the side, even though his schedule was prohibitive with his other commitments with work and coaching his daughter’s juniors team. His pre-season coaching regime included setting cones on the oval which added the appearance of organisation and boxing which was very popular amongst about 15% of the players in attendance. Thanks also goes to Paul Savage, Matthew Sharpe and Luke Taunt for their work in managing team selection and helping with the pre-game and half-time addressing the players. Matt Harrison and Dwayne Wathen were also helpful contributors with organising. With so many experienced players there was no shortage of wise words shared in the breaks.

The side did very well for a debut season and we went undefeated for the entire season up to the Grand Final in which we fell just short against last years’ losing Grand Finalists. A feat made more admirable by the fact that we only fielded a full team twice in the season and they had more depth with 7-8 players missing out each week, not to mention some key injuries and absences on the night.

Ultimately the team is about having fun and meeting new people whilst getting some exercise in the meantime. To that end we met objectives in spades. That side of things couldn’t be achieved without the help of other volunteers to run the barbecue and bar/canteen and other off-field jobs so another show of gratitude goes to Janet, River, Greg & Merv Hindson, Chris Brear, Mark Cox, Tim Macaulay, Andrew Hollywood, Mark Jenkins & Janine Pearson and all the kids that helped run water. 

Congratulations to Andrew Swain for taking out the league Goalkicking Award and congratulations to Matthew Harrison and Mick McNess for reaching 300 games for the club this season. The Eastern Football League informed us that they don’t count Vets games towards overall games for life membership consideration, but we certainly acknowledge them as part of a fantastic achievement of longevity. I believe Mick’s journey as a Waverley player commenced in the late 80’s!

It was a fun year and it would’ve been even more fun if we’d won the Grand Final so we might as well have another go at it next year.

Go Blues!

Glenn Hislop

Team Manager & Assistant Coach