Blackburn heads into Round 1 having recruited heavily in the off-season, luring two VFL premiership players.
Among the key signings include Xavier Murphy (De La Salle OC), a premiership player with the Box Hill Hawks in 2013, and Ryan Bathie (Keilor), who played in Geelong’s 2012 VFL premiership side.
The Panthers’ heavy recruiting includes further VFL experience, with utility Julian Soccio committing to the club after three seasons with the Box Hill Hawks, while former Oakleigh Chargers captain Ryan Exon has also joined the club, having played at Frankston last season.
Exon is also on Coburg’s list this season, where he is expected to play the majority of his footy in 2017.
Former Essendon District Football League interleague representative Daniel Campisano (Greenvale), has signed on as an assistant coach. Meanwhile, Matthew Tuminello (Lake Wendouree Football Netball Club) returns to Morton Park, a former Eastern Football League Team of the Year representative.
A strong start to season 2016 saw the Panthers race out of the blocks to win four of their first six matches, including its one-point win over Doncaster in Round 1 and 48-point win over Noble Park in Round 5.
In 2017, Blackburn looks to play finals for the first time since 2014.
Blackburn hosts Norwood in Round 1 at Morton Park on Saturday, 8th of April.
2016: Seven wins, 11 losses, seventh.
2017 leaders:
President – Matthew Breen Senior Coach – Kon Karavias Senior Captain – Anthony Fagan
Blackburn vice-president and head of football operations Mike Tuminello spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of Round 1…
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
Blackburn will strive to be a well-respected club in the top echelon of the EFL, with success both on and off field.
What has the pre-season been like so far for the club? Is there any group that have really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits etc.)
Pre-season has been extremely encouraging. Sessions have been very well attended and the coaching panel have been very impressed with the playing group’s attitude, fitness levels and dedication to the task.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
The club’s executive has not changed and we have benefitted by the addition of a few more experienced people onto the general committee. More volunteers however are always welcome.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
In a club of our size, communications are vitally important at all levels. We want to ensure that all communications, including social media, are directed at the right audience and are appropriately vetted for accuracy, honesty and timeliness.
Who are the players who you think will have a break-out season, who may have gone under the radar in the past as far the being known across the EFL community?
Without individualising, we expect that many of our younger group of players will step up this year and establish themselves as regulars in the senior team.
Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?
We have established a football program and culture underpinned by a strong juniors program, which we believe will maintain our position as a strong Division 1 club for years to come.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
Success for Blackburn means playing finals football in 2017, therefore all last year’s finalists are a direct threat to this ambition. That doesn’t discount the six other teams in this division who will have similar ambitions. We envisage a highly competitive Division 1 this year, with constant challenges each week.