|
Coach Graham Normanton commands great respect and loyalty from his players,
so it comes as no surprise that there has been minimal change to the
playing ranks at PERTH S.C. True, the departure of Andreas Oliveira,
Robbie Gaspar and Jamie Coyne will dullen their attack, but Perth still
possess a first class squad with enormous depth. Last season the club
claimed four of the five trophies with Todd Howarth, Mark Pottier, Aaron
Cole, Steven Willey and much under-rated goalkeeper Robert Scaraparolo
playing starring roles. When you take into account the club have Gareth
Naven, Vince Tana, Perry Ielati and Robbie Puca all coming back from
long-term injury, factor in summer recruits Shane Crampton, Daniel Arias
and Damir Kuduzovic, and Perth's chances of claiming further silverware
shorten dramatically. Critics were quick to write the team off after
their early exit from the Night Series, but over the home-and-away season
it's depth and quality that counts which is precisely why Perth are still
the team to be.
In - Daniel Arias (Future Glory), Shane Crampton (Sorrento), Brian Hedges
(Sorrento), Damir Kuduzovic (Future Glory), Ben Rogers (Future Glory)
Out - Jamie Coyne (Perth Glory), Robbie Gaspar (Sabah, Malaysia), Daniel
Kovacevic (Inglewood United), Andreas Oliveira (Floreat Athena)
After a superb start to 2002 WESTERN KNIGHTS fell away mid-season when an
injury crisis left the senior ranks looking decidedly thin. Wanting to
avoid a repeat of this, Ronnie Campbell has strengthened his squad with
numerous good signings while creating stability with the retention of many
of those players that served him so well last year. Of the latter group
Tommi Tomich, Evan Wallace, Leon Russell, Stuart Montgomery, Carl Medica
and brilliant midfielder Claus Nielsen were important players in the clubs
recent Night Series success, along with talented teenager Luka Jukic he was
superb in pre-season. After several seasons in Victoria's State League
Joe Vaz comes back to the club, as does tough-tackling Scott Devine who
spent last year in England. The addition of Daniel Trim and Paul Cooke
from Fremantle City and Cockburn City respectively further bolsters the
Knights depth, while the only notable departure is that of Ray Marinovic
for work reasons. With a powerful squad and one trophy already residing
at Nash Field, the Knights are red-hot favourite to end the home-and-away
season on top of the Premier League table.
In - Luke Buktenica (Stirling Lions), Paul Cooke (Cockburn City), Scott
Devine (England), Sam Miller (E.C.U. Joondalup), Daniel Trim (Fremantle
City), Joe Vaz (Fawkner Blues, Victoria)
Out - Ray Marinovic (Melbourne), Dean Nicolaou (Swan I.C.), Pedro Pavez
(unknown), Darren Williams (Queens Park)
After finishing a disappointing ninth last year, SORRENTO underwent a major
shake-up over the summer which should result in the northern suburbs'side
again contesting for silverware. A lack of goals last year has resulted
in the return of Simon Harland and James Morgan from abroad to spearhead
the attack with Jared Love and 19-year old David Foster. Right wing-back
Todd Harnwell also returns after two years with Perth Glory, while former
E.C.U. Joondalup players Dale McCulloch and Andy Mason add considerable
muscle to an already talented midfield. Central defender Richard Watson
has quickly established a solid relationship with Steven MacDonald, and
Neil Young's return from injury means he and Gareth Deeg will contest for
the spot between the posts. While the club have signed some quality
players, they have also lost an abundance of talent in club captain Kevin
Murphy, Stuart Banks, Lee Burns, Shane Crampton and Michael
Ord. Sorrento's pre-season form has been impressive enough for many to
predict they will be the only serious challenges to the title hopes of
Perth and the Knights.
In - Simon Harland (Sengkang Marine, Singapore), Todd Harnwell (Perth
Glory), Dale McCulloch (E.C.U. Joondalup), Andy Mason (E.C.U. Joondalup),
James Morgan (Sengkang Marine, Singapore), Richard Watson (E.C.U. Joondalup)
Out - Gary Andrews (Swan I.C.), Stuart Banks (interstate), Lee Burns (East
Thurrock United, England), Shane Crampton (Perth S.C.), Ross Greer
(retired?), Ryan Jeans (Bassendean Caledonian), Kevin Murphy (Sheffield
United, England), Michael Ord (injured), Craig Wells (Bassendean Caledonian)
The pressure will be on INGLEWOOD UNITED this year to make the
play-off's. Rather than looking within the club for players, new coach
Jimmy Pearson went on a recruitment drive that brought a host of players
who are all ready, willing and able to play senior football to the
club. Of last years' regulars only Scott Campbell, Andy Cornmell, Louis
Parkinson, Jason Godfrey and the ever-reliable Jamie Goodman
remain. Joining them are former Bournemouth goalkeeper Nick Stone,
strikers Ryan Newhill and Alex Josifosvki, hard-working midfielders Kosta
Kalavroutziotis and Shaun Kilkelly, and defensive players Jamie
Kuzmanovich, Admir Mehic, Daniel Kovacevic and Dom Ando. There is no
doubt Inglewood have in their possession one of the largest and strongest
squads in the local competition, and a place in the play-offs should be all
but assured. But with rumours of unrest already emerging from within the
playing ranks, it remains to be scene whether the side will be able to live
up to expectations.
In - Dom Ando (Fremantle City), Alex Josifovski (Victoria), Kosta
Kalavroutziotis (Floreat Athena), Shaun Kilkelly (Future Glory), Daniel
Kovacevic (Inglewood United), Jamie Kuzmanovich (E.C.U. Joondalup), Admir
Mehic (Future Glory), Ryan Newhill (Floreat Athena), Nick Stone
(Bournemouth, England)
Out - Adam Ashworth (Bayswater City), John Bartolomei (unknown), Matt
Donlevy (Bassendean Caledonian), Elton Holmes (Swan I.C.), Paul Lincoln
(Swan I.C.), Alan MacKenzie (unknown), Djukan Tesic (Dianella White Eagles)
COCKBURN CITY were expected to struggle following the summer loss of
strike-partners Branimir Mikulic and Christian Paschewitz, but local
pundits are re-evaluating the clubs' chances following a strong showing in
the Night Series when they made the final only to go down by the narrowest
of margins to a powerful Western Knights line-up. The catalyst for change
was the signing of Michael Mirco who forms a formidable midfield
combination with highly-rated youngsters Jeff Bright and Denis Stojanovich
and experienced campaigners Shane McNally and Dean Wallace. With Mirko
Jelicic having taken over the coaching reigns, Cockburn have retained the
bulk of last seasons' squad. Steve Adam and Dusan Macura will again be
important figures in defence alongside veteran Allan Pottier and Peter
Mrdja who arrive from Armadale and Dianella White Eagles
respectively. Down the opposite end Jelicic will rely on Roberto
Colalillo and Peter Petkovich for his attacking options along with summer
signings Mileta Miletic and John Mirco. Trophy-less since 1995's Boral
Cup which was won under the Spearwood Dalmatinac banner, few would be brave
enough to predict that drought will break this year.
In - Mileta Miletic (Future Glory), John Mirco (Fremantle City), Michael
Mirco (Fremantle City), Peter Mrdja (Dianella White Eagles), Allan Pottier
(Armadale)
Out - Paul Cooke (Western Knights), Branimir Mikulic (Fremantle City),
Christian Paschewitz (Mandurah City), Davorin Svirac (Dianella White
Eagles), Dragisa Volarevic (Dianella White Eagles)
Expected to finish in the lower depths of the table last season, BASSENDEAN
CALEDONIAN proved their critics wrong by claiming fourth place and make a
historic debut appearance in the play-off series. The off-season saw the
retirement of three key players from last season in Paul Strudwick, George
Ramm and Jimmy Merkouris, while Raph Mahoney and skilful teenager Glenn
McCormick will be sidelined for much of the year through injury. Graeme
Matthews, Craig Naven, Jason Van Rooy and goalkeeper Alan Dunlop will be
important figures at the club again this year along with Kevin Griffiths
and State striker Ryan Jeans, who've joined from E.C.U. Joondalup and
Sorrento respectively. In terms of youth, Caledonian have complemented
their existing squad by signing several talented teenagers of which Wesley
Ryder and David Whiteside are the stand-outs. With so many forced changes
to the squad it's going to be difficult for Caledonian to improve on their
performance of 2002, although come seasons' end they won't be too far short
of a second successive play-off berth.
In - Scott Bailey (Ashfield), Jamie d'Arcy (Ashfield), Matt Donlevy
(Inglewood United), Ryan Jeans (Sorrento), Kevin Griffiths (E.C.U.
Joondalup), Jonathon Mathers (Future Glory), Ashley Otte (Future Glory),
Wesley Ryder (Future Glory), Craig Wells (Sorrento), David Whiteside
(Future Glory)
Out - Luke Croxall (E.C.U. Joondalup), Gary James (Morley Windmills), Raph
Mahoney (injured), Glenn McCormick (injured), Jimmy Merkouris (retired),
Aaron Moschopoulos (Floreat Athena), George Ramm (retired), Paul Strudwick
(retired)
The upheavals of late last year means E.C.U. JOONDALUP head into the new
season with a very different - and very young - squad. With many of last
years senior list moving on, the job of rebuilding the team has fallen to
Stuart Kamasz who returns to the coaching arena after a 12-month
break. Kamasz has looked largely to the clubs youth ranks to put together
a side which features some of the state's hottest young players. Scott
Blackmore, Tom Jones, Craig Cheesman and Daryl Platten have been promoted
to the senior squad where they'll complement the likes of John Higgins,
Derek Cooke, and hard-working midfielder Scott Bulloch. Highly-rated
forward Josh Kamasz and State Schoolboys goalkeeper Alan Mattecucci have
been recruited from Fremantle City and Rockingham City respectively, while
Darren Broxton and Andre Sarpe return to the club after sharpening their
skills abroad. With such a young and inexperienced squad, Joondalup will
use 2003 as a springboard to greater things in years to come.
In - Darren Broxton (England), Luke Croxall (Bassendean Caledonian), Jason
Hardie (Armadale), Josh Kamasz (Fremantle City), Alan Mattecucci
(Rockingham City), Chris Ritson (Future Glory), Andre Sarpe (Romania)
Out - Scott Broadley (Balcatta), Andy Brown (work committments), Kevin
Griffiths (Bassendean Caledonian), Abdul Kamara (unknown), Jamie
Kuzmanovich (Inglewood United), Dale McCulloch (Sorrento), Andy Mason
(Sorrento), Sam Miller (Western Knights), Ronnie More (unknown), Gary
Murray (The City), Mark Ristofski (injured), Dimce Taneski (Stirling
Lions), Richard Watson (Sorrento)
Forever the bridesmaid, never the bride - that about sums up FLOREAT
ATHENA's recent fortunes. Runners-up in six competitions since their
Night Series win of March 2000, Athena have made something of a habit of
starting their new campaign will of promise only to stumble at the final
hurdle. Over the summer the club lost influential pair Ryan Newhill and
Kosta Kalavroutziotis to Inglewood United, Peter Coci was released, and a
knee injury has effectively ended John Xigas' season. To counter these
coach Taki Lambetsos signed Andreas Oliviera to lead the team's attack with
promising 18-year old Sasa Kilibarda, Michael Lardis returns after several
seasons in Greece, and tall defender Aaron Moschopoulos arrives via
Bassendean Caledonian. State representative Adrian Sutton will be crucial
to Athena's chances of success this year along with their midfield
combination of Costa Socratous, Jamie Trandos and James Afkos. While
injury and suspension are expected to test their depth, and an inconsistent
pre-season has done them no favours, Athena have the ability to make the
play-offs - whether or not they do so rests entirely in their hands.
In - Alain Campher (Swan I.C.), Sasa Kilibarda (Future Glory), Michael
Lardis (Greece), Anthony Mori (unknown), Aaron Moschopoulos (Bassendean
Caledonian), Alex Novatsis (Bayswater City), Matthew Novatsis (Bayswater
City), Andreas Oliveria (Perth S.C.)
Out - Peter Coci (released), Leroy Goodwin (unknown), Kosta Kalavroutziotis
(Inglewood United), Ryan Newhill (Inglewood United), John Xigas (injured)
After three years in the First Division, STIRLING LIONS return to the top
flight full of confidence but well aware of the task ahead. Coaches Wayne
Thorp and Basil Lenzo have retained much the same squad that bought them
championship success in 2002 with long-serving defender Riste Stefovski,
Andy Wright, Daniel Carlino, Toby Wright and New Zealand import Adam Rains
now given the opportunity to strut their stuff against the local games
best. Recognising the need for depth and with one eye fixed on the
future, the club have recruited brilliant young goalkeeper Jordan Conti,
creative players Stjepan Beretovac, Robert Cibesku, Robert Monterosso and
striker Dimce Taneski. With clear indications the players have realised
they'll have to step up a gear in order to become more than Premier League
also-rans, the Lions will cause more than their fair share of upsets this
winter. Expect the club to finish lower to mid-table, although one gets
the feeling bigger things are on the horizon for one of the local games
great clubs.
In - Stjepan Beretovac (Future Glory), Robert Cibesku (Future Glory),
Jordan Conti (Future Glory), Mark Gentile (Balcatta), Robert Monterosso
(Future Glory), Luke Pavlos (Ashfield), Dimce Taneski (E.C.U. Joondalup)
Out - Steven Bretti (Kingsway Olympic), Luke Buktenica (Western Knights),
Rob Pucovski (work committments), Rob Peruzza (retired?)
With an excellent youth development program in place, FREMANTLE CITY
enjoyed a productive 2002 under Greg Kazmer. While the results may not
have always gone their way, the port side continued to work with the bigger
picture in mind by introducing numerous players from within their youth
system to senior football. John Migas, Dean Apelgren and Michael Vaz have
already proven they are ready for inclusion in the starting line-up with
State Schoolboy representative Chris Wylie knocking on that same
door. Anthony Pereira and Llewellyn Bake will be key players for the side
this season along with experienced campaigners Alex Cummings, Craig Surtees
and former Socceroo goalkeeper Robert Zabica. Kazmer has strengthened his
squad with some astute signings over the summer which include Branimir
Mikulic, Golden Boot recipient for the past two years, and Future Glory
trio Michael Basilio, James Hesketh and Peter Lord. Daniel Trim, Dom Ando
and Australian Under-16 international Josh Kamasz have moved on while
Cesare De Bartolo is taking the year off for study reasons. Fremantle
find themselves in a similar situation to Joondalup - a young squad brimful
of talent which is sure to taste success in the not too distant future.
In - Michael Basilio (Future Glory), James Hesketh (Future Glory), Peter
Lord (Future Glory), Branimir Mikulic (Cockburn City)
Out - Dom Ando (Inglewood United), Glynn Busson (Leeming Strikers), Matt
Danskin (Werder Bremen), Cesare De Bartolo (studying), Josh Kamasz (E.C.U.
Joondalup), John Mirco (Cockburn City), Michael Mirco (Cockburn City), Paul
Oliver (Canning City), David Rodgers (South West Phoenix), Damien Trim
(Singapore), Daniel Trim (Western Knights)
An influx of players and some promising pre-season results has boosted
confidence at SWAN I.C. who have a history of being unable to attract, and
retain, enough quality players to form a truly competitive squad. But
that could be a thing of the past following a good summer recruitment drive
by player/coach Carlo Scali and his assistant Gary Marocchi. Former State
players Paul Lincoln and Dean Nicolaou join long-serving trio Carlo Scali,
Damian Scali and Trevor Hatton to provide experience to what is essentially
a young Swan squad. Last year teenagers Tom Shepheard, Robert Shepheard
and Adrian McBride established themselves as first team regulars and Chris
Haxton and Daniel Simcox are expected to follow in their footsteps after
12-months developing their game with Future Glory. Another player
returning to the club is lively striker Elton Holmes, while the signing of
Gary Andrews and Mark Donnelly add options and depth to the
black-and-whites matchday line-up which includes State goalkeeper Corey
Hugo. Success will come in moderation for Swan this season when the
primarly focus will be on building towards the long-term top flight future
of the club.
In - Gary Andrews (Sorrento), Mark Donnelly (Ashfield), Chris Haxton
(Future Glory), Elton Holmes (Inglewood United), Paul Lincoln (Inglewood
United), Dean Nicolaou (Western Knights), Daniel Simcox (Future Glory)
Out - Jamie Bell (Queens Park), Alain Campher (Floreat Athena), Michael
Chiari (Balcatta), Paul Dundo (Queens Park), Justin Everley (studying),
Darren Freeman (retired), Michael Laughlin (Canning City), Brian Robertson
(Queens Park)
Final Table Prediction 1. Perth 2. Western Knights 3. Sorrento 4. Inglewood United 5. Cockburn City 6. Bassendean Caledonian 7. ECU Joondalup 8. Floreat Athena 9. Stirling Lions 10. Fremantle City 11. Swan IC
The 2003 First Division season kicks-off this weekend with games being played as far and wide as Armadale, Rockingham and Kingsway, and almost everywhere in-between. A 30-game home-and-away series promises to test even the strongest of clubs, and with only one club being promoted to the top flight it's going to be a very tight season. With four clubs already shaping up as serious title contenders, Brett Klucznik takes a close look at the First Divison, assesses the clubs' stocks and makes some predictions as to how each of the teams will fair in 2003 ...
The big recruiters over the off-season were QUEENS PARK who are red-hot favourites to take out the First Division crown. Picking his signings carefully, coach Mike Brazil has added depth to an already formidible squad which kept pace with Stirling Lions and Armadale until the closing weeks of 2002. Amongst the new-comers are experienced goalkeeper Darren Williams and veteran Peter Murphy (ex-Canning City), former Swan I.C. teammates Brian Robertson, Paul Dundo and Jamie Bell and Chris Khalil (ex-Morley Windmills). 21-year old midfielder Glenn Noblett will again be a key player for the club, but highly rated young goalkeeper Luke Woodfin will miss much, if not all, of 2003 through serious injury. After narrowly missing out on promotion last year, then losing the final of the Pioneer Night Series last month, Queens Park will be a very difficult team to beat this year.
Having been pipped for promotion by Stirling Lions last season on goal difference, ARMADALE are expected to again be challenging for the silverware come seasons' end. After getting off to a blistering start last year, the Reds failure to convert their chances as the season progressed cost them dearly. Veteran Allan Pottier is the only notable summer departure, meaning coach Billy Russell will take a largely unchanged squad into the new season that will have hard-working midfielder Gary Murdoch at it's heart. Still in their early 20's, Lee Hallums, Aaron Beattie and Greg Newcombe will be key players for the club this year when several of the Reds youngsters, such as Nick MacLean (18) and Oliver Crockford (17), will make the step up to senior ranks. Anything outside a top two finish for Armadale will be considered a disappointment.
Winners of the Pioneer Night Series, BAYSWATER CITY have recruited wisely over the summer by bringing to the club three seasoned professionals. Arriving via Leeming Strikers are Sean Cowman and Alex Grindley, striker Boima Karpeh has been recruited from Dianella White Eagles, while goalkeeper Adam Ashworth spent part of last season playing in the top flight with Inglewood United. Coach Salv Todaro has brought together a young and enthusiastic squad who are already being talked about as contenders for promotion come seasons' end. Former State junior Gareth Healy will be the player opposing sides have to keep an eye on, along with flank player Andrew O'Neill who capped his debut season at Bayswater by taking out their Fairest and Best award last year.
MANDURAH CITY's fourth placing in their debut professional season proved there is plenty of talent emerging from the Peel region. Andrew Rennie, Michael Bobridge and new signing Christian Paschewitz will form a lethal partnership in attack with lively wide players John Transfield and Steven Rhodes sure to keep opposing defences busy. Club captain Gary Collins is undoubtedly one of the First Division's best sweepers, while competition for the spot between the posts will be intense between Michael Green and 19-year old Nick Archer. While Sean Kearns and Neil Platten-Williams will be missed, their retirement opens the door for several of the clubs younger players to push for first team selection.
The ASHFIELD squad is almost unrecognisible from that which competed in the top flight last year. The departure of no less than nine of last seasons' first team regulars has resulted in coach Tom Kilkelly promoting numerous youngsters to the senior ranks, including 17-year old Edin Mehic (ex-Future Glory) who has been installed as club captain. "We have very young side this year but I feel every club will be going that way over the next few years," said Kilkelly. "Any coach worth his salt will try to develop those youngsters that are available to him." Ashfield's young side stepped up to the challenge by making the last four of the friendly Pioneer Night Series with Brad Pochroj, Ben Kelly and Dion Florias shining. With so many young faces in the side, the experience of 30-year old David Mayers will prove invaluable in the centre of the park once the season proper gets underway.
Last season Danny Trandos, Alan Henderson and Jason Stern were key components of a KINGSWAY OLYMPIC side which many considered under-achieved by finishing in tenth place. Over the summer the club picked up striker Sota Iwasaki (ex-Wanneroo City) and Scott Evans (ex-Perth City) who will both add strength and depth to their playing stocks. Former State Schoolboy representative Louis Elliott should have a strong season for the club while 17-year old Mark Purcell is another youngster with a bright future. With some good talent coming up through their youth teams, there is little reason for the once-mighty green machine to return to the top half of the table.
After a slow start, DIANELLA WHITE EAGLES came good over the second half of last season to finish a credible fifth. The club take a largely unchanged squad into the new campaign with the exception of Boima Karpeh and Petar Mrdja to Bayswater City and Cockburn City respectively. The return of Davorin Svirac and Dragisa Volarevic from Cockburn, and the signing of young attacker Daniel Jovanovic from Stirling Suns will certainly strengthen their squad. Taki Nicolaides' experience will once again be called upon at the back but with concerns already being expressed over Dianella's lack of depth the long home-and-away season is really going to stretch their resources.
With Fred Broadley installed as first team coach at BALCATTA, the club are another that head into the new season with a young squad. Following some encouraging pre-season results, confidence is sky high within the playing and coaching ranks who are gunning for a top five finish. Broadley has balanced out the loss of experienced pair David Moschilla and Mark Gentile (to Cockburn City and Stirling Lions respectively) with the recruitment of Michael Chiari (ex-Swan I.C.) and former State defender Scott Broadley who is making his comeback from long-term injury. Adrian Zonato will once again lead Balcatta's attack while the midfield combination of Gavin Falco-Brown and Aleandro Di Nuzzo, along with goalkeeper Simon Madaschi, will play key roles in their successes this year. Enthusiasm is one thing Balcatta do not lack and with a solid squad and a good start to the season a finish in the top half of the table beckons.
Although the season is yet to get underway, MORLEY WINDMILLS have already been ravaged by injury with over a dozen players currently on the sidelines - something that must be ringing alarm bells amongst coaches James Herbert and John Castrelli. With Ray Rose overseas and Martin Woodall and Ian Ballantyne announcing their retirement, the club signed attackers Gary James (ex-Bassendean Caledonian) and Rydeen Botha (ex-Stirling Suns) but, unfortunately, both are part of their lengthy injury list. Winner of the clubs Fairest and Best last year Simon Messenger will again be a key player for Windmills as will Drew Carruthers, while youngsters Sam Danesh, Stephen Waycott and Leith Hinds are expected to see first team action at some stage this winter. With just two of last seasons' regulars in their current starting line-up it is going to be a very difficult start to the season for Windmills who are confident that, once back to full strength, they'll be able to string together some good results.
Some sweeping changes at LEEMING STRIKERS has left the club in a strong position for season 2003. Since taking over the reigns late last year, senior coach Bob Braid has squad that the club are confident is capable of finishing in the top half of the table. Phil Bell and Howard Nystadt have been recruited from England and Norway respectively, while Glynn Busson (ex-Fremantle City), and goalkeeper Michael Smerilli (ex-Future Glory) are the pick of the local signings. In combination several of past seasons regulars, including Carlos Di Toro and Martin Donoghue, and a commitment to promote from within their youth ranks, it all augers well for the Strikers who one feels will cause more than their fair share of upsets.
Facing a 30-week home-and-away season, there are suggestions that STIRLING SUNS' depth will be severely tested this year. The summer saw several players who have played important on-field roles for the Suns in recent times leave the club, amongst them Nigel Comito, Phil Russie, Ryden Botha (all to Morley Windmills), Tom Atanasov, Ivica Markovic and Steve Klimoski. These departures have allowed the club to promote from within their youth ranks as David Panov and 17-year old goalkeeper Jason Razmoski step up to the senior list. Teenager Gareth Banfield will be looking to continue his fine form in 2002 into the new year, while the experience of Zoran Talimdioski and Ken Stankoski will prove crucial to their chances. All things considered, the Suns will do well to finish mid-table.
Last season CANNING CITY were lead by Mick and Paul Van Dongen, who ended 2002 by being named joint winners of the clubs' Fairest and Best award, and the brothers will again be instrumental in their on-field success. The return of hard-working teenager Paul Oliver from Fremantle City is a huge boost for the club, as is the signing of Michael Laughlin (ex-Swan I.C.) and Brad Davies (ex-Leeming Strikers). But on the flip side of the coin Canning have lost a wealth of experience with Peter Murphy and Darren Williams joining Queens Park and Paul Daly announcing his retirement. With a young squad and a long season ahead, Canning are expected to finish in the bottom half of the table although one gets the feeling greater things are not that far away for one of the league's newer clubs.
The off-season merger of Perth City and Wanneroo City has produced the local game's newest club - THE CITY. Based at Kingsway Sporting Complex and coached by Stuart Currie, the club have set themselves the target of finishing in the top half of the table - it not higher. "I think we will surprise a few people, I'm quietly confident we will be up there come September," said Currie recently. Their young squad features many players that last season turned out for Perth City, a smattering of former Wanneroo lads and several new faces, amongst them former E.C.U. Joondalup player Jake Lennox. 20-year old goalkeeper John Bosche will be crucial to the clubs chances this season along with youngsters Ben Yates, John Wyeth and Barry McLeod, and striker Mark Cox.
The signing of experienced campaigners Stuart Indge and Tony Hall (both ex-Leeming Strikers) and Brian Murphy's return from overseas will undoubtedly strengthen SOUTHSIDE UNITED's squad, but it's still difficult to see them finishing outside the lower reaches of the table. Although they have some talented players on their books, amongst them Glen Hallums and Shane Nunes, ROCKINGHAM CITY will find 2003 tough under new coach Lazlo Koronkai with the departure of outstanding young goalkeeper Alan Mattecucci (to E.C.U. Joondalup) a major blow for the side. While SOUTH WEST PHOENIX have some quality youngsters coming up through the ranks including Michael Jennings and Chris Norminton, the reality is the club as a whole need a few more years getting the formula right before achieving their potential.
Final Table Prediction 1. Queens Park 2. Armadale 3. Bayswater City 4. Mandurah City 5. Ashfield 6. Kingsway Olympic 7. Dianella White Eagles 8. Balcatta 9. Morley Windmills 10. Leeming Strikers 11. Stirling Suns 12. Canning City 13. The City 14. Southside United 15. Rockingham City 16. South West Phoenix
Predicted SWC Premier League Table 1 Perth 2 Sorrento 3 Inglewood United 4 Western Knights 5 ECU Joondalup 6 Cockburn City 7 Bassendean Caledonian 8 Fremantle City 9 Stirling Lions 10 Floreat Athena 11 Swan IC Predicted SWC First Division Table 1 Armadale 2 Mandurah City 3 Bayswater City 4 Queens Park 5 Dianella White Eagles 6 Kingsway Olympic 7 Ashfield 8 Leeming Strikers 9 Morley Windmills 10 Rockingham City 11 Stirling Suns 12 Balcatta 13 Canning City 14 South West Phoenix 15 Southside United 16 The City Predicted WAASSA Premier Division Table 1 Hamersley Rovers 2 Forrestfield United 3 Spearwood Dalmatinac 4 Perth Azzurri 5 University of WA 6 Murdoch University 7 Shamrock Rovers 8 Fremantle United 9 Kwinana United 10 Balga 11 North Perth United 12 CN Canning International Predicted WAASSA First Division Table 1 Lynwood Colts 2 Suburbs United 3 Colo Colo 4 Belmont Villa 5 WA Maccabi 6 Geraldton La Fiamma 7 Carlisle 8 Morley Windmills Amateurs 9 North Beach 10 Stirling Panthers 11 Subiaco United 12 Ballajura
Back to the www.footballwa.net Past Seasons Index
This page was last updated on the 24th February 2006