The 2024 result was an improvement on the win season two years ago, and Blighty hope to start strong against Jerilderie in round one of the Picola & District League season.
Both wins last year for Blighty were 80 and 140 point wins against Yarroweyah, who are not fielding a senior football side in the Picola League this year.
However, there are several changes on and off the field for the Redeyes from last year.
Last year’s seniors best-and-fairest Dane Leyden is the new senior head coach, and with a developed playing list and several other exciting club developments in what is the Blighty Football Netball Club’s 75th year.
A reunion will be hosted on April 26, during the round four home game against Berrigan.
Jerilderie were extremely competitive in the seniors in 2024, finishing in the eighth finals position with eight wins and eight losses.
They have added some star signings like Jeff Garlett and Sam Harrington, and welcome back many from last year’s side.
When the two sides faced off in round 11 last year, at Jerilderie, the Dees ran out 90-point victors.
Blighty put up a strong fight, with scores level at the end of the first quarter.
Standout players for Blighty included Jack and Luke Charlton, with Jack scoring two goals.
Leyden and Andrew Simpson were among Blighty’s best players. Brock Thompson and Daniel Smits were the other avenues to goal.
For Jerilderie, Brad Aylett kicked five goals and was declared best on ground, with Sam Sleigh also kicking four goals, Max Bruton with two goals and Kane Hawkins with three goals were also in the best.
Jerilderie will once again be looking to come out with a win, while Blighty will be looking to make this match a closer encounter this year.
“I want to try and get the guys to stay really positive and, most importantly, find enjoyment in the game,” Leydon said.
“From there, it is important we stay positive for each other.
“I’ve got the boys prepared that certain things might not go our way.
“It’s easy to adjust to adversity at training, but it’s a bit harder in the game, so no matter what happens, we’ve got to try and stay fat and have each other's backs.
“I assume they’ve had some changes in personnel with some new players, and so have we.
“For those new players and the whole side, it will be just trying to adjust.
“With some new blokes and plenty of youth in our team, we’ll be trying to introduce them to the group and make sure, first and foremost, they and everyone else have good, enjoyable games.”
On the netball courts, the under-11s and under-15s play from 9.30am, under-13s and under-17s from 10.40am, C-reserve and B-grade at 12pm and C-grade and A-grade at 1.30pm.
Football kicks off with the fourths from 9.30am, thirds from 10.30am, reserves from 12.25pm and seniors from 2.05pm.
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