LAST YEAR: 9th – 1-15

CONSISTENT and competitive is the mantra Inglewood coach Ryan McNish has set for the Blues this year.

The Blues have long been the whipping boys of the Loddon Valley league, having not made finals since 2003, while only once in the past seven seasons have they won more than one game.

With such a lengthy background of on-field struggle, recruiting presents a challenge, but the Blues have brought in 12 players to add to their senior list.

Among them is last year’s Heathcote District inter-league ruckman Lachlan Sidebottom, who will replace Cody West.

Sidebottom joins the Blues from White Hills, as does Peter McKay.

“Our priority this year is to be competitive every week because last year we were still too up and down through most games,” McNish said.

“We want to be consistent in every game we play and once we get that then the polish we need on the outside will come and with that, hopefully, some more wins will come.”

In a major boost for Inglewood midfielder Bailey Evans will be back with the Blues full-time after winning Trinity College’s best and fairest last year.

Lachlan Sidebottom, Tate Mifka, Zac Berthun, Jaxon Billett, Sam Barnes, Michael Rorke, Sani Egan, Levi De Pyle, Rohan Baldwin, Joe Kenny, Liam Drummond, Peter McKay.

Cody West, Ben Conley, Jordan Ashby, Dean McGrath, Leighton Driscoll, Zach Raeburn.

Sportsbet flag odds: $51

Player points: 48

Last flag: 1986

R1: Bye

R2: v Bridgewater (a)

R3: v Calivil United (h)

R4: v Maiden Gully YCW (a)

2017: 9th - 1-15

2016: 7th - 5-11

2015: 9th - 1-15

2014: 9th - 1-15