THE grand final celebrations have probably only just died down in Kendall.
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After a long off-season, last year’s Hastings League premiers will kick off their 2018 campaign in the Bain Cup pre-season competition this weekend.
The Blues first chance to throw the footy around this year will come against the unknown South West Rocks Marlins at Lank Bain Sports Complex.
Captain Beau Kettle said there were no expectations surrounding their first hit out of the year.
“We’ve been training since early February and have picked up a couple of younger blokes after losing a few of the older heads,” he said.
Kettle believed Kendall will field arguably a more complete side in 2018 than the one that won the premiership.
“This year we’ll have the players to finish off those half chances and run the length of the field that we didn’t always have last year,” he said.
“There will be a bit of spark in our backs.”
A few new faces will join the Blues and are expected to have their first appearance for the club on Saturday.
“Jed Seymour will play fullback and we’ll have Bade Latham that will spend a bit of time at hooker,” Kettle said.
“He’s the younger brother of Jahbe.”
Former Comboyne centre Matt Hensley has made the transition to the Blues after playing against them in last year’s season decider.
He will give the club more depth in the centres or at fullback.
Kettle said their playing stocks would be tested this weekend.
“This weekend we’ve got a few away, but we’ve been working hard and we’re looking forward to getting out there and having a run around,” he said.
“South West Rocks we think will have a similar side to what they had last year but with most of the teams we won’t know what they have until we play them.”
Kick-off for Kendall and South West Rocks is scheduled for 2.45pm.
Also on Saturday, Comboyne Tigers clash with Lower Macleay Magpies at 3.30pm while Laurieton Stingrays progress to week two courtesy of the bye.
Beechwood take on Long Flat from 2pm.
Hastings League publicity officer Corey Richardson said it was “just great to have the footy back.”
He believes the competition will much more even this year although Kendall would be the team to beat.
“Comboyne have lost a few players which will bring them back to the field,” he said.
“It’ll be a lot closer than previous years.”
The Tigers won last year’s Bain Cup on a countback after scores were tied with them and Laurieton in the final.
The Hastings League regular season will kick off on April 7.