But that seems set to change after close to a dozen proven players signed on or recommitted with the seniors for 2022, bringing a competitive edge to the line-up led by newly-appointed coach Kyel Bain.
Bailey Burke, Nick Hay, Luke Hay, Kai Hillier, John Lawton, Kane Morris, Billy Michael, Charlie Waters and Tom Merryless have officially signed on for the Redeyes.
Bain, a stalwart of the club, says he compiled the list with a competitive team and an eye on ‘‘big-bodied on-ballers’’ and ‘‘quick forwards’’ in mind.
In less than a week, he found both, with Bailey Burke, Nick Hay, and Luke Hay first to sign on for the 2022 season.
‘‘We wanted to build a strong competitive team and these blokes tick those boxes,’’ Bain said.
Burke is an experienced player who has played seniors in the Ovens and Murray Football League. He is an on-baller who can also ‘‘sneak forward and score goals’’, according to Bain.
‘‘I’m very confident that he’ll bring a lot to the team. He’s also an ex-Blighty juniors player, so it’s great to have him back on side.’’
Nick Hay is a seasoned pro with two premierships under his belt. He will be joining Blighty after a spell in Queensland, where he also played seniors.
The defensive forward, and former Deniliquin Rovers player, will be instrumental in Bain’s ‘‘go fast, go hard’’ approach.
Joining him is brother Luke, a wingman and back flanker who is quick off the mark and an ‘‘attacking machine’’.
Luke was with Blighty when Bain was coaching the seconds in 2019 — the last time Blighty won a premiership.
Though Luke doesn’t remember much of it, having suffered a head knock during the final match.
Nonetheless, he won the best-and-fairest by 30 votes that same year.
Blighty will face down Jerilderie at home in round one of the season.
