REINVIGORATED.

Back in Navy Blue and back amongst the goals, there were few happier at IKON Park yesterday than the starring Darcy Vescio.

The inaugural Game Changer was always going to play a central role on a day which was the start of a new era for the Blues, with a two-point win in Mathew Buck’s first game as coach to mark the occasion.

Vescio was central in their back-to-the-future role up forward, kicking three of Carlton’s five goals as their team held on for a crucial Round 1 win: the Blues’ first in a season opener since 2020.

Speaking to FOX Footy post-match, Vescio said starting off on the right note couldn’t be understated in a 10-round campaign.

“It’s really special. Leading into this week, there was a real sense of calm, but excitement too,” Vescio said.

“We haven’t started with a win for quite a while, so it really helps with that momentum . . . the way they kept coming was pretty tough and pretty stressful in the end, but you know what, we tried to stay calm.”

Always willing to pass on the praise for their teammates, Vescio spoke of their love and appreciation for a playing group which has undergone more significant change over the last 12 months.

Without inspirational captain Kerryn Peterson and fan favourite Gab Pound, a number of other Blues in the next wave had to step up. Keeley Sherar was one of the best afield with 16 disposals and 12 tackles, Marianna Anthony had 11 tackles of her own on debut, while countless others stood up across all lines to get the job done.

For Vescio, that’s the most exciting part.

“The team we are today isn’t the team we’ll be in Round 3 or Round 4, and it’s a really nice feeling to know that we’re going to go from that,” they said.

“Everything has really reinvigorated footy for me, so I’m just loving it. I love the group.”