With the summer months now behind us, pre-season training continues apace at Uni Oval under the stewardship of senior coach John Kanis. Some additional football wisdom is on offer for those Blues players hitting the track courtesy of the presence of two modern legends of the Hawthorn Football Club.

ss="Apple-style-span">Uni Blues is very pleased to have retained the services of Nick Holland for the coming season. “Dutchie” distinguished himself last year as a key member of Blues’ coaching brains trust and returns in 2010 for the club’s tilt at another A-Grade premiership. Nick served as vice-captain of Hawthorn during his playing days, along with winning the club’s Best & Fairest and leading goalkicker awards.

Another face at Uni Oval in coming months will be that of former Blues player and Hawthorn skipper, Richie Vandenberg. “Vanders” was a popular and fearless member of Blues teams from the mid-90s. After making his debut with the Hawks in 1998, he became a key contributor to the club’s renaissance as a genuine premiership contender including in his role as captain in seasons 2005 to 2007. Vanders will be on hand at Blues this year to the extent that his commitments permit, including by attending pre-season training this week.

Uni Blues is privileged to have such highly credentialed mentors assisting with the development of the playing group. Both Vanders and Dutchie have been leaders at the game’s elite level and are set to make a telling off-field contribution at Uni Oval this season.

1 March 2010