Keilor has a premier division premiership trophy in the cabinet but nothing has changed for the Essendon District Football League side.
The Blues had a season to remember last year – the senior, reserves and under-18.5 sides made grand finals, with the open-age teams winning flags.
Blues coach Mick McGuane said the club was simply going about its business and had enjoyed a “pretty low-key” off season.
The Blues have lost several players from their senior premiership side, with McGuane saying the departures were not unexpected.
“Ryan Noye is going on a working holiday and Jesse Wallin has signed with another club,” he said.
“Josh Linton has gone back to his home club, while David Isbister is returning to his home club and would have missed the opening rounds. Dean Putt was looking for a No.1 rucking role – and with Andrew Browne, who I believe is not only our best ruckman, but the best ruckman in the competition – he couldn’t get that.
“Ryan Bathie is looking to play with friends before going back to basketball. All these things we understand.”
Curtis Taylor, who played in last year’s premiership as a 16-year-old, will likely spend most of the year in the TAC Cup.
The Blues have added some players, including a couple of familiar faces.
Former Blues player Jason Williams is returning, with McGuane saying he had “matured and had more direction in his life”.
The club has also announced former junior Damian Cavka will be returning to the club. Cavka had to retire from West Coast Eagles at the age of 19 because of a foot issue.
“He’s doing everything we ask of him and we’re not getting caught up about if he plays or not,” McGuane said.
Sam Hooper, who had signed with the Blues and Essendon VFL, won’t play any football this season after hurting his knee.
Nick Hind, who has also signed with Essendon VFL, will add pace if he plays, while Ben Hearden, Trent Morrow, Jordie Grainger and Anthony Imela have put in clearances to the club.
McGuane said the club would place a focus on giving reserves players more opportunity in the seniors.
“We’ve made sure that we’ve had inside retention,” he said.
“We’ll look at bringing up some of the twos. They’ve won the last two grand finals.
“It’s a testament to the club that we had 44 players hold a cup aloft last year.
“It’s a natural progression for players. Mitchell Ellis, Jay White and Nick Guarino have all played a major role the last couple of years and will get opportunities.”
McGuane said that if the players continued to believe in the processes the club had in place, they would again be in the mix for premierships.
