WADE Judd helped Oberon launch a successful return to Group 10’s top grade this year and he believes Blayney can do the same thing in 2013.
Oberon returned to Group 10 first division and under 18s competitions in 2011 and this year also fielded a side in premier league.
Judd captain-coached the premier league team to fifth in the regular season and fourth after the finals.
Blayney is planning a return to Group 10 in all three grades next year.
The last time the Bears were seen in Group 10 was in 2010 when they contested the under 18s and first division competitions.
The Bears have not lined up in premier league since 2000 when they finished third.
Judd believes Blayney is capable of fielding three sides in 2013.
“You’ve certainly got to put a bit of effort in but it can be done,” Judd said.
“You’ve got to have good people on board and they have that.”
It took two years for Oberon to field teams in all three grades but Blayney is determined to do it in one.
Judd said this is possible.
“They have a good junior base and if they can get a lot of players who have been playing with other clubs, if they can entice a few of them back then I think they’ve got a good chance,” he said.
The Bears took a step towards their goals on Tuesday night when they announced former Blayney junior Jake Anlezark as the player-coach for 2013.
Judd coached Anlezark in CYMS under 18s side in 2007 and knows the potential the young forward has.
“He’s a great signing for them. He’s a great player and he’s got the ability to be a good coach,” Judd said.
Judd had no concerns about the young gun taking on the senior role with Blayney.
“He’s young but you’ve got to do it sometime and if he thinks he’s ready, I think he’ll be quite successful at it,” he said.
Judd will be back with Oberon in 2013 having already resigned with the club for another season.
He said his side’s strong performance in 2012 would motivate them next year.
“We had a really good year and we’re hungry to go even better next year. We’ve kept all the guys together and it should be good,” he said.