2010 Season Preview

Premier League

The fifty-first season of semi-professional football in Western Australia is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in memory. Premier League front-runners Perth SC, Western Knights and Floreat Athena will face strong challenges from a much-improved Cockburn City and import-laden Stirling Lions. The relegation battle is similarly difficult to predict with newcomers Balcatta achieving respectable pre-season results and no glaring weaknesses amongst the existing teams.

As was the case last year, the top five placed sides at the conclusion of the home and away season enter a play-off series which culminates in the Grand Final at the end of October to decide the State Champion. Tom Della Vedova takes a close look at each of the twelve clubs - in alphabetic order - including a summary of player movements and an assessment of squad strengths and weaknesses. The footballwa.net team then offer their thoughts on how season 2010 will pan out...

2010 is shaping up to be an intriguing year for ARMADALE, a club some consider a sleeping giant where others view a perennial relegation candidate. Coach Brad Hassell continues to piece together an ever improving squad with the former Sorrento quartet of Lewis Flatt, Michael Ord, Steve McDonald and Cyril Sharrock adding much needed experience. But more importantly for the club is news James Robinson, the class English import whose goals largely saved them from relegation the last two year, will be returning for a full season at Alfred Skeet Reserve. Having finished in the bottom three in each of their five Premier League seasons, Armadale should move up the standings this year to the comfort of mid-table.

In: Steve Drew (CCA, England), Lewis Flatt (Sorrento), Sam Francis (Whitehawk, England), Jason Goodwin (long-term injury), Liam Harvey (long-term injury), Tony Hunt, Steve McDonald (Sorrento), Rory Mouttet (Canning City), Michael Ord (Sorrento), Alex Preece (Forrestfield United), Cameron Richens (Queens Park), Tom Robinson (Witham Town, England), Cyril Sharrock (Sorrento), Garrin St Vall (Baxters, England), Michael Van Dongen
Out: Trent Bushby (Canning City), Shane Walters (Canning City), Jeff Bright (Dandenong Thunder, New South Wales), Mo Atak (Floreat Athena), Andy Pomfret (Gosnells City), James Hesketh (Mandurah City), Matt Ullbricht (Queens Park), Kieran Tracey, Kevin Bissett (retired), Gary Bunting (England), Gary Faria (retired), Danny Mahoney (Bamber Bridge, England), Nao Oishi (Japan)

Competing in the top flight for the first time, BALCATTA have made it clear they are not there just to make up the numbers. Salv Todaro would no doubt have been chuffed with his team’s performance in making the knock-out stage of the Night Series, and the gradual building of a talented squad augers well for the season ahead. The technique and vision of Ashley Rosendale and Andy O’Neill are a major asset for the Cats, who’ve added steely resilience to the backline by recruiting experienced campaigners Anthony Jones and Mark Walsh. Although a lack of squad depth will inhibit their chances of a top six placing, there is sufficient quality on board to ensure Premier League survival.

In: Kevin Caroma (Dianella White Eagles), Craig Cheeseman (ECU Joondalup), Jack Clisby (Perth SC), Geneveo Human (Perth SC), Igor Illikj (Dianella White Eagles), Matt Italiano (Stirling Lions), Mladen Joncevski (Dianella White Eagles), Anthony Jones (Bayswater City), Tommy Jones (Bayswater City), David Khuen (Western Knights), Bobson Karoma (Bayswater City), Jason Lawton, Devon Spence (Canning City), Nicholas Tatasciore (Perth SC), Adam Tong (FC United of Manchester, England), Mark Walsh (Mandurah City)
Out: Chris Beech (Ashfeld), Steve Cowbrough (Ashfield), Carlo Di Toro (retired), Paul Dundo (Ashfield), Dan Evans (Ashfield), Tom Gaca, Gary Murdoch (Ashfield), Edin Mehic (Forrestfield United), Stephen Mordue (Forrestfield United), Chris Ramsey, Joe Woodin (Ashfield)

After a hugely disappointing 2009 that saw a prolonged flirtation with relegation, COCKBURN CITY are primed to take an elevator up the Premier League standings this season. Coach Scott Miller, returning for a second stint in charge, has enticed former Perth Glory players David Tarka, Adrian Webster and Marc Anthony to the club to complement the existing crop of talented youngsters that includes Devon Spence, Nick Feely, Ryan Pretorius and Cameron Edwards. Add in the return of influential defenders Jason Godfrey, Liam Lilly and Shane Nunes and Cockburn City are a top five proposition. The Cockerels will be very difficult to beat in 2010 and, should a consistent goalscorer or two be located, they could well emerge as an outside chance for the championship.

In: Marco Aleksic (Rockingham City), Marc Anthony (Stirling Lions), David Araya (Fremantle Spirit), Rory Feely (Stirling Lions), Jason Godfrey (Mandurah City), Roy Hissey (Rockingham City), Liam Lilly (long-term injury), Dragan Milankovic (Fremantle Spirit), Neil Muckles (Dunsborough Town, England), Shane Nunes (South Melbourne, Victoria), David Tarka, Adrian Webster
Out: Ryan Edwards (Australian Institute of Sport), Dusan Macura (retired), Michael Mirco (retired), Adam Surjan (retired), Paul Underwood

Cup holders FLOREAT ATHENA are once again amongst the favourites for Premier League glory. New coach Ante Kovacevic will be out to build on the solid platform laid down by Michael Roki, and minimal changes in the off-season to a squad which already boasts much depth and quality will provide on-field stability. The loss of Josip Magdic and Miro Aleksic has been partly offset by the recruitment of Mo Atak, although Brad Scott’s retirement and the departure of David Foster may leave Floreat a little short in the finishing department. With the highly successful Roki years at an end, Floreat are hopeful of a new era of sustained success beginning in 2010. If Kovacevic can find the balance required of a player-coach, his guile and winning mentality may be the extra spur needed to return the championship to Litis Stadium.

In: Mo Atak (Armadale), Jakub Chudy (Western Knights), Ante Kovacevic (coach), Julian Madaschi (long-term injury), Simon Madaschi (Perth SC)
Out: Miro Aleksic (Serbia), Simon Elton-Bott, David Foster (Sorrento), Josip Magdic (Melbourne Knights, Victoria), Michael Roki (coach), Brad Scott (retired), Vas Vujacic (retired)

Early indications are that INGLEWOOD UNITED are in for another trying season. An appearance in the final of the Cup Final somewhat masked a season of underachievement plagued by coaching upheavals. Inglewood’s pre-season was noticeable only for their poor performances with the chief concern being a lack of depth in the striking department. Goalkeeper of the Year Oliver Taseski has a safe pair of hands and the much improved Alex Stamatiades provides midfield leadership. The major challenge for coach Shane Pryce will be to address Inglewood’s record of only two home wins in 2009, when they were the second lowest scoring team. Inglewood will miss out on finals football again in 2010.

In: Ryan Clarke (Marconi Stallions, New South Wales), Igor Kolevski (Preston Lions, Victoria), Karl O'Reilly (Western Knights), Costa Socratous, Dimce Taneski (Dianella White Eagles)
Out: Alex Cocking (Swan United), Jamie Mitsopolous, Louis Parkinson (retired), Shane Pryce (retired), Simon Woolley

Underachievers the past two years, ECU JOONDALUP are poised for a return to the top half of the table. The return of a number of former players, headlined by dual Golden Boot winner Phil O’Callaghan, will be crucial to Joondalup’s fortunes in the new season. With midfielders the ilk of Tommy Amphlett, Scott Bushby and John Higgins providing the ammunition for O’Callaghan and John Thornley, scoring goals should not be a problem. And they also look sound defensively with English import Charlie Comyn-Platt lining up alongside Scott Blackmore, Chris Wylie and versatile Scotsman Garin Collins. With some much needed stability both on and off the field, Joondalup are very much in the mix for a finals berth come seasons’ end.

In: Ross Anderson (Turriff United, Scotland), Carlo Coelho (Perth SC), Michael Currie (Mandurah City), Tom Dixon (Stirling Lions), Jason Marsden (Perth SC), Tom Nicholson , Phil O'Callaghan (Stirling Lions), Conrad Poi (Fencibles United, New Zealand), John Thornley, Chris Wylie (Mandurah City)
Out: Craig Cheeseman (Balcatta), Andy Higgins (Portsmouth, England), Steve Porter (Stirling Lions), James Sammut (Swan United), Ryan Williams (Portsmouth, England)

After finishing in the top five the past two seasons, MANDURAH CITY appear set for a much tougher time in 2010. Stuart Young did a commendable job in overcoming off-field turbulence that had momentarily engulfed the Peel based club last year. And Mandurah is home to some of the league’s best talent, amongst them goalkeeper Phil Straker, former national league defender Ryan Townsend and talismanic captain Andy Brown. However, the departure of a number of key players and a lack of suitable replacements does not bode well for the upcoming campaign. Young is sure to mould his side in his own image as a player - hard working, uncomplicated and determined - but only time will tell if that is going to be enough to avoid an earlier than expected return to Division One.

In: Michael Bobridge, Danny Dyson (Rockingham City), James Hesketh (Armadale), Darren Lawler (Rockingham City)
Out: Gary Attrill, Clint Brown (Queens Park), Chris Currie, Michael Currie (ECU Joondalup), Jason Godfrey (Cockburn City), Mike Green (retired), Anthony Harris (Canning City), Farrell Hedges, Sam Keary, Jake Loretto, Christian Pascherwitz, Steven Payne (Scotland), Mark Walsh (Balcatta), Chris Wylie (ECU Joondalup)

Fresh from a fifth consecutive Night Series title, PERTH SC are justifiably tipped to defence their State Champions crown in October. Coach Graham Normanton once again has a squad glimmering with talent, with no major weaknesses apparent. The defence has been bolstered by Shaun Kilkelly and Aaron Cole, and the return of club favourites Robbie Puca and Andreas Oliveira adds depth to a midfield that already features Antonio Naglieri, Dom De Felice, Greg Sharland and Michael Black. Up front Ian McMurray and David Onoforo will seek to build on their flourishing partnership. The biggest challenge for Perth will be their ability to deal with the significant expectation for them to succeed. But with a coach who always seems to get the most out of his players when the pressure is on, Perth have an outstanding opportunity in 2010 to achieve the rare feat of consecutive championships.

In: Aaron Cole (Swan United), Shaun Kilkelly (Sorrento), Andreas Oliveira (long-term injury), Robbie Puca (long-term injury), Robert Sciascia (AC Crema 1908, Italy)
Out: Phil Arnold, Andy Bourakis (Sunshine George Cross, Victoria), Jack Clisby (Balcatta), Carlo Coelho (ECU Joondalup), Gary Greenhill (Sunshine George Cross, Victoria), Geneveo Human (Balcatta), Simon Madaschi (Floreat Athena), Jason Marsden (ECU Joondalup), Brendan Ross (retired), Nicholas Tatasciore (Balcatta)

SORRENTO, Premier League champions in 2006 and 2008, are hoping for a return to winning ways than the lacklustre campaigns in the interlude years. The Gulls’ failure to mount a title challenge last season resulted in changes at the top, with former coach Trevor Morgan returning to take charge and assistant coach Shaun Murphy leaving the club. With the likes of Danny Cain, Daryl Platten, Brodie Martin and Todd Harnwell they have a solid core, and a promising Night Series has given them hope of climbing up the standings. But these expectations should be kept on hold following the departure of a numerous first team players. Sorrento have lost a lot more than it has gained and a slide further down the table appears most likely.

In: Allan Brown, David Foster (Sorrento), Adam Hayton (Barnoldswick Town, England), Ryan Jeans (Bayswater City), Jared Love, Adam Luca (National Training Centre), Jason Mirco (Stirling Lions), Trevor Morgan (coach), Tom Woodhead (Bridlington Town, England)
Out: Stuart Banks (retired), Paul Cunningham (Balestier Khalsa, Singapore), Daniel Darras (Chile), Lewis Flatt (Armadale), Shaun Kilkelly (Perth SC), Michael Lawson, Steve McDonald (Armadale), Stuart Montgomery (Western Knights), Michael Ord (Armadale), Cyril Sharrock (Armadale), Nick Trajkoski (retired)

No matter what happens in the new season, it’s unlikely that STIRLING LIONS will experience anything like the dramas of 2009 when they went from relegation battlers to finals participants in the space of a couple of months. To ensure greater consistency coach Micky Lyons went shopping for experience in the off-season, bringing in central defender Bobby Wilson, playmaker Shane Robinson and striker David Dugdale from overseas. Of the existing player group, the composure of maturing defender Michael Pugliese and the sheer speed of emerging striker Jaime De Abreu are worth keeping an eye on while the return of Ludovic Boi, Dean Evans and Steve Hesketh from Perth Glory Youth brings them further polish. If everything goes to plan for Stirling then a top three placing isn’t out of the question.

In: Clayton Arnez (National Training Centre), Andy Brown (long-term injury), Paul Dickson (Ards, Northern Ireland), David Dugdale (Otago United, New Zealand), Stef Frost (Matlock Town, England), Jason Gavin (St Patricks Athletic, Ireland), Tom Ingram (Quorn FC, England), Steve Porter (ECU Joondalup), Shane Robinson (Shamrock Rovers, Ireland), Matthew Stares (Sleaford Town, England), James Turvill, Bobby Wilson (Stafford Rangers, England), Luke Wood (Forrestfield United)
Out: Matt Allen (Western Knights), Marc Anthony (Cockburn City), Liam Boland (Swan United), Rick Brewer (England), Tom Dixon (ECU Joondalup), Rory Feely (Cockburn City), Darko Ilmanoski (Swan United), Matt Italiano (Balcatta), Jason Mirco (Sorrento), Phil O'Callaghan (ECU Joondalup)

SWAN UNITED have inhabited a kind of football purgatory for the past five or so seasons - not good enough to be challenging for top honours and yet not poor enough to be relegated. The departure of Aaron Cole and club legend Damien Scali creates a couple of big holes at opposite ends of the park. David McNally is a top quality central defender in the making, while the task of scoring goals falls on the shoulders of Tom Shepherd. James Sammut and Roberto Lujan add immensely to the midfield where they’ll partner Brendan Knox and John Mansaray. A poor Night Series does not bode well and coach Paul Lincoln knows patience will be the key with such a young squad. If a leaky defence can be plugged and a poor record away from home can be improved upon, Swan should maintain their recent record of mid-table placings.

In: Liam Boland (Stirling Lions), Alex Cocking (Inglewood United), Morgan Dendle (Bayswater City), Robbie Fytnogiannis (Ashfield), John Hunter (Forrestfield United), Darko Ilmanoski (Stirling Lions), Darragh Kenevey (Ashfield), Roberto Lujan (Canning City), James McPhail (Ashfield), James Sammut (ECU Joondalup)
Out: Dom Ando (retired), Paul Baczynski (retired), Danyal Bennett (retired), Aaron Cole (Perth SC), Conor Mahady, Damien Scali (retired), Alex Sutton (Fremantle Spirit), Andrea Terni, Joshua Tumoi (Bayswater City)

After falling agonisingly short of championship success last season WESTERN KNIGHTS are desperate to go one step better, and some astute recruitment provides coach Paul Price the additional quality need to win a grand final. The return of club favourite Stuart Montgomery gives them an extra cutting edge in the final third, and an already strong midfield boasting brothers David and Daniel Micevski along with David Price has been bolstered by the arrival of speedy pair Paul Van Dongen and Simon Versaico. At the back, Garth Lecky and Duncan Hind are sure to form a solid partnership with captain David Annall, and Fraser Siddall is one of the top young goalkeepers in the competition. The Knights have made all the improvements necessary to go all the way in 2010.

In: Matt Allen (Stirling Lions), Stuart Ferguson (Hawkes Bay United, New Zealand), Grant Heard (long-term injury), Duncan Hind (Canning City), Garth Lecky (Canning City), Stuart Montgomery (Sorrento), Paul Van Dongen (Canning City), Simon Versaico (Canning City)
Out: Jakub Chudy (Floreat Athena), Michael De Souza (Fremantle Spirit), Barry Devlin (Sunshine George Cross, Victoria), Okwy Diamondstar (Bayswater City), Anthony Fearon (Fremantle Spirit), Duuane Hepburn (England), David Khuen (Balcatta), Karl O'Reilly (Inglewood United), Josip Peran, David Pepper (Ireland), Seb Trim (retired)

footballwa.net Predictions

First Division

Promotion and relegation between the Premier League and Division One remains one-up one-down as has been the case for the past few years. Bayswater City and Wanneroo City are already being talked up in terms of going all the way and gaining promotion to the top flight. However, a revitalised Ashfield, Bunbury Forum Force and Forrestfield United have their own title aspirations and will be ready to pounce should any of the frontrunners stumble and fall.

The battle to remain in semi-professional football is promises to be similarly intriguing following confirmation Football West will offer promotion to the Sunday Premier League champions, runner-up or third-place getter. That puts added pressure on the likes of Morley Windmills, Queens Park and Rockingham City, who find themselves very much in the relegation mix. This week Brett Klucznik takes an in-depth look at each of the twelve clubs, assesses their strengths and weaknesses before the footballwa.net team make some bold predictions as to how the new Division One season will pan out ...

The days of ASHFIELD languishing towards the foot of the table appear to be over. A Night Series final appearance was an early reward for a recruitment drive which netted well over a dozen players, adding significantly to their experience and depth. Striker Jon Greenwood will benefit greatly from the supply provided by Joe Woodin and Scott McIlroy, while the job of keeping goal out of Ashfield’s net falls to Matt Battigelli and classy defender Paul Dundo. No one is talking about Ashfield in terms of winning promotion, at least not just yet, but you can rest assured they will finish 2010 in the top half of the table.

In: Matt Battigelli (Dianella White Eagles), Chris Beech (Balcatta), Mitch Castrilli (Morley Windmills), Jake Cornel (Morley Windmills), Steve Cowbrough (Balcatta), Wayne Culverwell (Morley Windmills), Paul Dundo (Balcatta), Dan Evans (Balcatta), David Gordon (Morley Windmills), Andrew Griffiths, Jake Harman (Morley Windmills), Leo Harman (Morley Windmills), Trevor Hatton (Morley Windmills), Gareth Lloyd (Morley Windmills), Scott McIlroy (Morley Windmills), Ian McAllister (Morley Windmills), Mark McAllister (Morley Windmills), Gary Murdoch (Balcatta), Joe Woodin (Balcatta)
Out: Ibnen Charming (Morley Windmills), Michael D'Silva, Matt Darling (Morley Windmills), Atekhis Elhoussaine (Forrestfield United), Robbie Ftynogiannis (Swan United), Shane Hashim, Ben Harris (retired), Darragh Kenevey (Swan United), Chris McGrath (Gosnells City), James McPhail (Swan United), Yiannis Papalia, Jason Van Rooy (retired)

On paper you would have to say Night Series winner BAYSWATER CITY will be serious title contenders in 2010. But then you’re reminded this is Bayswater - a club more than capable of derailing its own title hopes. There is no doubt they are better positioned than this time last year, particularly at the back where Okwy Diamondstar and Cesar Gonzales form an imposing defensive line. The attacking drive out of midfield comes via Damien Catalano and Cisco Jorquiera with Gustavo Maralunda already being talked about in terms of the Golden Boot. If all the pieces fall into place for Bayswater then in twelve months time they will be back in the top flight.

In: Rodrigo Aguirre (Dianella White Eagles), Faido Appiah (Queens Park), Brendan Barnes (Queens Park), Alex Caniglia (Fremantle Spirit), Okwy Diamondstar (Western Knights), Thomas Gooding (Dianella White Eagles), Archie Goodnews (Queens Park), Byron Goodwin (Queens Park), Cisco Jorquiera (Fremantle Spirit), Kalou Karpeh (Queens Park), Sime Lozic, Anthony McStea, David Moschilla, Petar Mrdja (long-term injury), Seb Munoz (Queens Park), Blaz Radovanovic, George Tchami (Canning City), Joshua Tumoi (Swan United), Joseph Wijlona (Queens Park)
Out: Morgan Dendle (Swan United), Ryan Frisina, Mark Donnelly (Canning City), Ian Griffiths (Dianella White Eagles), Kevin Griffiths (retired), Paul Hickey (Dianella White Eagles), Ryan Jeans (Sorrento), Anthony Jones (Balcatta), Tommy Jones (Balcatta), Bobson Koroma (Balcatta)

Opposition coaches would be wise not to read too much into South West Phoenix’s, sorry, BUNBURY FORUM FORCE’s flat pre-season. Club veteran David Mayers has taken over as coach and, despite departures totalling over 500 games experience, they enter the new season focused very much on finishing on top of the pile. Goalkeeper Ryan Montgomery will have in front of him the league tallest centre-back pairing in English imports Warren Howes and Jordan Rispin. David Rodgers, a three-time Division One Player of the Year, leads the attack with the ammunition supplied by captain Patrick Quinn and David Murphy. Make no mistake about it - Bunbury will be very close to the top come September.

In: Neil Chappell (Salford City, England), Gino Comito, Warren Howes (Three Bridges, England), Oliver McGee (Ramsbottom United, England), DJ Mayers, Gary Mayers (coach), Jordan Rispin (Barnoldswick Town, England)
Out: Mickie Cairns (coach), Andy Cowley, Gareth Johnston (retired), Gary Mayers (retired), Chase Parker, Antony Russo, Steve Suttie (retired)

CANNING CITY enter a new era in club history as the dark horse of the Division One field. Relegation from the top flight was not kind on the club with long-serving coach Frank Longstaff and much of last year’s senior list moving on. Billy Russell and Tim Kilkelly have done a fine job of remodelling the team by bringing in some quality recruits - amongst them goalkeeper Stuart Delgarno, Andrew Keary and Diego Garcia - to compliment the immense talent pool that exists in Canning’s youth ranks. How quickly the new-look line-up can gel into a cohesive unit will determine whether Canning will finish amongst the top six.

In: Michael Bushby, Trent Bushby (Armadale), Tom Cullen (Morley Windmills), Stuart Delgarno (Morley Windmills), Ross Diamond, Mark Donnelly (Bayswater City), Simon El Chami (Morley Windmills), Diego Garcia, Anthony Harris (Mandurah City), Graham Herd (Morley Windmills), Graham Jenkins, Andrew Keary (Rockingham City), Tom Kilkelly (coach), Cameron Lord (Rockingham City), V.Ngarko, Jack Richardson, Billy Russell (coach), Danny Taylor, Shane Walters (Armadale)
Out: Luke Doyle (Fremantle Spirit), Kenny Ftynogiannis (Forrestfield United), Duncan Hind (Western Knights), Garth Lecky (Western Knights), Frank Longstaff (coach), Jix Loong, Roberto Lujan (Swan United), Jon Mathers, Rory Mouttet (Armadale), Charles Partridge (England), Devon Spence (Balcatta), George Tchami (Bayswater City), Paul Van Dongen (Western Knights), Simon Versaico (Western Knights)

Retaining the bulk of last season’s under-achieving squad and some astute recruitment suggests a significant improvement in the fortunes of DIANELLA WHITE EAGLES. But truth of the matter is there is no quick fix for Dianella, a club where off-field distractions often overshadow what happens on Saturday afternoon. Dragan Njegic, Dale Wingell, Steve Grant, Goran Radinovic and Stefan Smiljanic have key roles to play in what is shaping up to be another trying winter for all at the club. If they can find stability and accept there are a few tough years ahead then Dianella might finally start reaping some rewards, but until that happens there really is not going to be a lot of joy.

In: Brent Mayhew (Fremantle Spirit), Steve Grant (Fremantle Spirit), Ian Griffiths (Bayswater City), Paul Hickey (Bayswater City), Vas Kalogeracos (Fremantle Spirit), Ravi Kuppasamy (Fremantle Spirit), Tom Straker (Fremantle Spirit), Josh Wade (Fremantle Spirit), Dale Wingell (Fremantle Spirit), Marc Wingell (coach)
Out: Rodrigo Aguirre (Bayswater City), Dragomir Balic, Matt Battigelli (Ashfield), Victor Bogos, Kevin Caroma (Balcatta), Stefan Drca, Bobby Golub, Thomas Gooding (Bayswater City), Igor Ilikj (Balcatta), Mladen Joncevski (Balcatta), Vas Kalogeracos (long-term injury), Vlad Naumovski, Stevica Petrovic, Filip Rajakovic, Curt Ristoski (long-term injury), Justin Scarvaci (Morley Windmills), Dimce Taneski (Inglewood United)

John Hunter continues to quietly go about the business of moulding FORRESTFIELD UNITED into promotion chasers. In 2009 an unbeaten home record propelled Forrestfield to their highest finish in over 25 years, and they would have placed much higher had their away form not been one of the worst in the league. The addition of Kenny Ftynogiannis and veteran Grant Learmont will help Forrestfield tighten things up at the back with the task of scoring goals falling to loyal servants Matt Harold, Andy Harold and Jordan Hart. A Night Series semi-final appearance shows just how good Forrestfield are on their day, unfortunately those days aren’t yet frequent for them to improve on last years effort.

In: Atekhis Elhoussaine (Ashfield), Kenny Ftynogiannis (Canning City), Grant Learmont (Queens Park), Edin Mehic (Balcatta), Stephen Mordue (Balcatta), Alan Nanini (Morley Windmills), Andy Taylor (Leeds University, England)
Out: Mitchell Crocker, Anthony Cunningham (Morley Windmills), Brad Eiffe (Queens Park), Jason Feather (Queens Park), Joe Healey, John Hunter (Swan United), Jason Kingdon, Kynon Melling, Alex Preece (Armadale), Scott Radford (retired), Donald Sutherland (England), Luke Wood (Stirling Lions), Luke Woodfin (retired)

It’s a radically different FREMANTLE SPIRIT that is led into 2010 by local legend Allan Pottier. The senior list was completely overhauled during the off-season, the recognisable faces of recent campaigns replaced by fresh-faced teenagers to who the demands of first team football are a complete stranger. Key roles await Luke Doyle and Anthony Fearon this season at opposite end of the park but it’ll be to midfielder Matt O’Byrne and coach Pottier that they’ll look for leadership. There’s no doubting Fremantle’s youth development record, however, the decision to put this ahead of experience will have them staring down the barrel of relegation in 2010.

In: Kurt De Souza, Michael De Souza (Western Knights), Luke Doyle (Canning City), Chris Farmer, Anthony Fearon (Western Knights), Tyrone Fenwick, Andrew Morrow, Matt O'Byrne, Aaron Plaatjies (Armadale), Allan Pottier (coach), Connor Shaw, Alex Sutton (Swan United), Anthony Taylor (Armadale)
Out: David Araya (Cockburn City), Alex Caniglia (Bayswater City), Alan Carroll, Steve Grant (Dianella White Eagles), Lee Hallums, Cisco Jorquiera (Bayswater City), Vas Kalogeracos (Dianella White Eagles), Ravi Kuppasamy (Dianella White Eagles), Nuno Loretto, Adrian McBride (Gosnells City), Dane McBride (Gosnells City), Brent Mayhew (Dianella White Eagles), Dragan Milankovic (Cockburn City), Tom Straker (Dianella White Eagles), Peter Vukmirovic, Josh Wade (Dianella White Eagles), Dale Wingell (Dianella White Eagles), Marc Wingell (coach)

Things are humming along quite nicely at eastern corridor club GOSNELLS CITY. Coach Tony Maguire took the side to sixth last season and through some wise recruitment they should finish higher this time around. It’s shaping up to be another big year for Ciaran Allen, Darren Francis and young captain Ian Maguire with newcomers Adrian McBride and Andy Pomfret having already made a positive contribution. They may not be in the same class as Bayswater City and Wanneroo City, but that’s not going to stop Gosnells from pushing for a place up near the top.

In: Adrian McBride (Fremantle Spirit), Dane McBride (Fremantle Spirit), Chris McGrath (Ashfield), Andy Pomfret (Armadale)
Out: Stuart Aitken, Adam Bremner (Rockingham City)

A player exodus on a massive scale during the summer months has positioned MORLEY WINDMILLS as one of the top candidates for relegation. Following the departure of Morley’s entire senior list, new coach Peter Johnstone faces the daunting task of assembling a squad entirely from scratch that has to quickly be competitive at this level. A disastrous Night Series campaign must have the alarm bells ringing loudly at Wotton Reserve where a chronic lack of quality, experience and depth has the club facing a very long winter. If Morley finish anywhere above last place then it should be considered a major victory.

In: Simon Baah, Ibnen Charming (Ashfield), Anthony Cunningham (Forrestfield United), Matt Darling (Ashfield), Peter Johnston (coach), Mohammad Komaderic, Noel O’Connor, Alan O’Duffy (Ireland), Josh Pironi, Blaz Radovanic, Justin Scarvaci (Dianella White Eagles), Sash Skokieski, Kris Spaceski, Riste Stefoski
Out: Mitch Brydon, Matthew Carruthers, Mitch Castrilli (Ashfield), Phil Clarke, Jake Cornel (Ashfield), Tom Cullen (Canning City), Wayne Culverwell (Ashfield), Stuart Delgarno (Canning City), Simon El Chami (Canning City), David Gordon (Ashfield), Jake Harman (Ashfield), Leo Harman (Ashfield), Trevor Hatton (Ashfield), Graham Herd (Canning City), Bobby Irvine, Jesper Jenson, Gareth Lloyd (Ashfield), Michael McGrath, Scott McIlroy (Ashfield), Ian McAllister (Ashfield), Mark McAllister (Ashfield), Alan Nanini (Forrestfield United), Martin Sherwin (Subiaco United)

2010 isn’t shaping up to be any different to the past few seasons for perennial strugglers QUEENS PARK. The off-season saw a lot of players leave the club and just as many join, so just how quickly they settle will go a long way to determining Queens Park’s season. But that won’t be the end of their problems, they must also find a way to stem the flow of goals against, start picking up more points at Coker Park and keep faith in the coaching staff which would in turn provide their players will some much-needed stability. While everyone at the club is confident they’ve done what is needed to get them back on track, as an outsider it’s hard to see where truly significant change has been made.

In: Ludovic Anquetil, Ruben Barrios (Sporting Peru, New South Wales), Bernard Benjamin, Clint Brown (Mandurah City), Rhys Bufton, Anthony Carlito, Henry Chikombe, Kelvin Daby, Brad Eiffe (Forrestfield United), Jason Feather (Forrestfield United), Karim Hassan, Daniel McCurdy (Rockingham City), Farris Noor-Rani, Brad Parfitt, Philip Ragan, Matt Ullbricht (Armadale)
Out: Faido Appiah (Bayswater City),Brendan Barnes (Bayswater City), James Braid, Phil Chapman, Lawrence Flomo, Archie Goodnews (Bayswater City), Byron Goodwin (Bayswater City), Asef Hashim, Kalou Karpeh (Bayswater City), Grant Learmont (Forrestfield United), Tim Loreto, Raza Mohammadi, Seb Munoz (Bayswater City), Bright Ofori, Scott Reinsma, Cameron Richens (Armadale), Keegan Savage, Joseph Wijlona (Bayswater City), Tyrone Woodfin

Another summer of upheaval at ROCKINGHAM CITY has done nothing to suggest the southern suburbs outfit are going to assert themselves this year. With many of last seasons’ squad no longer on the scene for a variety of reasons, Paul O’Brien and his coaching team have been hard at work for the coming winter. The return of Michael Vaz has been welcomed warmly and he’ll be a key figure along with Luke Rennie, Luka Ivancic and goalkeeper Craig Olejnik. But a poor pre-season in which their defensive frailties were once again exposed tend to indicate that, come the business end of 2010, Rockingham will be very close to the bottom of the table.

In: Jay Bonser (Mandurah City), Adam Bremner (Gosnells City), Eric Kuzmar, Lachlan McFarlane, Paul Needham, Michael Vaz (long-term injury)
Out: Marco Aleksic (Cockburn City), Damien Condo, Danny Dyson (Mandurah City), Roy Hissey (Cockburn City), Craig Howard, Andrew Keary (Canning City), Darren Lawler (Mandurah City), Cameron Lord (Canning City), Stuart McCall, Craig McCreery (Northern Ireland), Daniel McCurdy (Queens Park), James Wilde (New South Wales)

It’s a safe bet WANNEROO CITY will once again spend the winter months hovering around the top of the Division One table. Gerry McEwan has at his disposal a very well balanced squad, blessed with an abundance of quality and experience, and very much capable to going all the way. The influence of Brian Cairney in the final third can not be underestimated and his partnership with teenage captain Josh Booysen is going to be vital. Guy MacDonald runs a tight midfield while defensively Wanneroo are well served by Callum Trayner and returning goalkeeper Daniel Holgate. Having a stable core group of players who enjoy getting out on the park with each other every Saturday afternoon could just be the secret ingredient to get Wanneroo over the line.

In: Jayden Drummond, Daniel Holgate (long-term injury)
Out: Nil!

footballwa.net Predictions

Sunday League Premier Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Kingsway Olympic
 2 UWA-Nedlands FC
 3 Shamrock Rovers
 4 Stirling Panthers
 5 Southern Spirit
 6 Fremantle United
 7 Subiaco AFC
 8 Belmont Villa
 9 Murdoch University
10 Fremantle Croatia
11 Joondalup United
12 Spearwood Dalmatinac

Sunday League First Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 North Lake
 2 Whitford City
 3 Kingsley
 4 Hamersley Rovers
 5 BB United
 6 Gwelup Croatia
 7 South Perth United
 8 Lynwood United
 9 CN Canning International
10 Ballajura
11 North Perth United
12 Suburbs United

Sunday League Second Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Heathridge
 2 Kelmscott Roos
 3 Floreat Athena Amateurs
 4 Curtin University 
 5 Armadale Amateurs
 6 Balga
 7 WA Maccabi
 8 Kwinana Utd 
 9 Kingsway Olympic "B"
10 International Calcio
11 Golden Lilly 
12 North Beach 

Sunday League Third Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Rockingham City Amateurs
 2 Maddington Eagles 
 3 Perth Royals 
 4 Kingsway Olympic "C"
 5 Bassendean Caledonian
 6 Kalamunda United 
 7 Beldon
 8 Subiaco AFC "B"
 9 Wembley Downs
10 Morley-Windmills Amateurs
11 Colo Colo
12 Port Kennedy

Sunday League Fourth Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Quinns FC
 2 Carramar Cougars
 3 UWA-Nedlands FC "B"
 4 Leeming Strikers
 5 Gosnells City
 6 Kingsway Olympic "D"
 7 Stirling Lions Amateurs
 8 Bayswater City Amateurs
 9 Subiaco AFC "C"
10 Forrestfield United Amateurs

Sunday League Fifth Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Quinns FC "B"
 2 Cracovia
 3 Perth Hills United 
 4 Fraser Park
 5 Melville City
 6 UWA-Nedlands FC "C"
 7 Canning City Amateurs 
 8 Swan United Amateurs
 9 South Perth United "B"
10 Morley City

Sunday League Sixth Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Sutherlands Park
 2 Warnbro Strikers
 3 Hamersley Rovers "B"
 4 Jaguar FC 
 5 Curtin University "B"
 6 Belmont Villa "B"
 7 Perth Royals "B"
 8 Westnam United 

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This page was last updated on the 7th April, 2010