CONTENT, but far from satisfied. 
That’s the attitude of Inglewood senior coach Fergus Payne as his side marks its half-way mark of the Loddon Valley season.
After only winning four games in 2024, the Blues have already matched that total for 2025 after scoring a hard-fought 19-point win over Maiden Gully.
Through eight games the Blues have a 4-4 record and sit six points clear in fifth place.
“Where we are now compared to where we were last year is awesome,’’ Payne said. “I think the Loddon Valley has gone up a massive leap this year, so for us to be in fifth. position is great. 
“To get within 10 points of three of the top sides (Marong, BL-Serpentine and Bridgewater) was really pleasing. Pyramid Hill beat us by 50 points, which is still an improvement for us because they beat us by 100-plus last year.
“To be competitive in those games is great for the players, the coaches and the supporters.
“We’ve made improvement, but we know we’ve got a lot to work on and there’s more improvement to come.”
One player who will help the Blues improve in the second half of the season is Jackson Hood, who made his Inglewood senior debut in the win over Maiden Gully.
The former Castlemaine key position player spent most of the day across half-back, but much to the delight of his team-mates he did kick his first goal for the club late in the second quarter.
“He gives us flexibility with our talls,’’ Payne said of Hood.
“We don’t want to be too tall, but we have some hybrid types in the backline that can use their pace and ability a bit more, while Jackson can play as a swingman. 
“I was the oldest at 27, so to add him in as a 32-year-old will be invaluable for the younger guys.”
Payne missed last Saturday’s win over Maiden Gully because of a slight hamstring strain.
He has his sights set on a return to the playing field against Marong on June 14.
Payne and exciting youngster Gabe Nevins will add some quality to the Inglewood midfield mix when they return.
“Gabe will probably be at least another six weeks away,’’ Payne confirmed.
“We haven’t had our best team available yet this year, but to be fair we probably don’t know our best team yet.
“(While we’ve had injuries) players have stepped up and played a role for us. Our depth has been good.”
Round nine action this weekend will complete the first half of the season. It shapes as a lopsided round, with the four top teams playing the four bottom clubs.
The closest contest could be at Marist College where sixth-placed Maiden Gully hosts Pyramid Hill.
The Eagles did plenty right in a close loss to Inglewood and a repeat of that effort will at least keep the home side in the game for a half.
The main interest in the Bears Lagoon Serpentine versus Calivil clash will centre around how many goals Josh Mellington kicks.
After kicking 26 goals in his past two games, Mellington looks set for another big day in front of the sticks.
In the remaining two games, Bridgewater will outclass Mitiamo, while Marong should have few troubles in disposing of Newbridge.