Senior club profile: Northern Beaches Blues
The Northern Beaches Blues brought footy back to Woolgoolga in 2019 after a 13 year break, claiming the Reserve Grade flag in their first year, and having their Women’s team make the Grand Final in 2020.
This year the Blues will mark a long awaited return to the Senior grade whilst the Women’s side will look to go one better and claim the Premiership.
HOW IS 2021 SHAPING UP? (Glen Golsby-Smith, President)
After a very testing 2020 our club is continuing to grow in 2021. With a lot of key signings we’ll be returning to Senior footy this year whilst also retaining a Reserve Grade side. Our Women’s team is coming off a great season, and with the club fielding teams in three grades we’re looking good for 2021.
MEN’S TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Rory Evans
Leadership group: T.b.a.
Who are you expecting big things from?:
Fraser Duryea, the League B&F winner from 2016, returns to AFL after a three year break and is fit and firing. Jai Johnston really only came into footy when the club re-formed in 2019 but has been a key on-field driver since that time. Preston Oake-Laurie turns 19 this year and is ready to step up and make his mark on Senior footy.
Big ins:
- Fraser Duryea (returning after a three year break)
- Evan Duryea (Wandin FNC, Victoria)
- Chris Frangos (Coffs Harbour Breakers)
- Luke Symonds (Coffs Harbour Breakers)
- Mackinlay Pearce (Coffs Harbour Breakers)
- Darby Pearce (Carrara AFC, Queensland)
- Liam Paige (Coffs Harbour Breakers)
Big outs:
- Sam Burge
WOMEN’S TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Adrian “Ace” Roberts
Leadership group: T.b.a.
Who are you expecting big things from?:
Shania King is involved in the Sydney Swan Academy Top End program and is going from strength to strength. Jess Midavaine will play her second season of footy and will continue her rapid development to become a key player. Alana Hanson is the “old girl” of the group and provides so much leadership for the younger players. Ella Wilson, Sarah Bower, and Rubee Frost are all second year players who are showing at training that they’re ready to step up into bigger roles within the team.
Big ins:
None, but with so many of the girls playing their first season in 2020 they’re all going to be better players coming into year 2. Experience is our “Big In”!
Big outs:
Jazlen Hooke
