Paddy Anderson exits South Warrnambool for Warrnambool in Hampden league

Anderson made nine senior appearances for the Roosters during its 2021 Hampden league campaign, including a best on ground performance in round two against North Warrnambool Eagles.

Warrnambool coach Ben Parkinson said the club was excited to see what Anderson could do at Reid Oval in 2022.

"He's a really talented left footer; we don't have a lot of left-footers in our side," Parkinson said.

"He's been training really well and fitted into the group well."

The Blues' engine room will also be buoyed by the inclusion of Damien McCorkell, who returns for his first season since 2019.

The tough in-and-under midfielder is back in the region after completing police academy and taking a posting at Hamilton.

"He'll be massive for us, not only in terms of he is a very good player, but he's a great leader," Parkinson said.

Rounding out recent signings, Otto Opperman is back after a three-season stint at Barwon Heads in the Bellarine Football League, while teenager Angus Bade could been seen at some stage during the season.

Bade is training with VFL club Werribee and is expected to play as an 19-year-old at Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the NAB League.

"He has us as his home club, so if Werribee don't pick him and the Rebels don't pick him second, we'll get use of Angus, who would be a massive addition to our side as well," Parkinson said.

"He played fullback with the Rebels but I don't think we'd play him there; he played one game for us where he played half-back flank and wing. He's a really mobile 194cm athlete."

Departing the club however are senior mainstays, Wil Fleming and Austin Steere, who are bound for Noosa and Melbourne respectively.

Talented teen Ben Howard is also off to Melbourne to begin university studies, though could still line up with the Blues depending on time commitments.

Fleming and Howard played all 12 games in 2021, while Steere missed just one to finish runner-up in the team's goalkicking (17) behind Jed Turland.

The Blues' current group regrouped for pre-season training in late November, but has taken a different approach compared to their 2020 pre-season.

Last time there was a focus on fitness and road running after the non-season of 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.

But Parkinson said his squad turned the ball over too much this year, so the focus now shifted to getting the Sherrin back in the hands of players as quickly as possible.

The club is also eyeing a return to Reid Oval, which should come in late January.

The Blues haven't played or trained at the facility since 2019.

Until then, the Blues are utilising Deakin University's oval, with two more sessions pencilled in before the Christmas break.

Sporting a 4-8 record, and fifth-placed finish, this season, Parkinson said the expectation among the group was for a better finish in 2022.

"In terms of adding to our list, there were guys on our list that didn't play much (last season)," Parkinson said.

"Darcy Graham played four games, Tim O'Keeffe played three games, Jordan Foott only played five.

"So getting a full season out of those guys will add to our list on Saturday.

"We think we can go up the ladder a few spots reasonably quickly.

"But it all comes down to hard work."

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