2012 Season Preview

Premier Division

The 2012 Premier Division season looks like being one of the closest in many years. Perth SC and Balcatta have their sights set on top honours but Sorrento, Bayswater City, Stirling Lions, Western Knights and newly promoted Bunbury Forum Force will be doing all they can to prevent either side getting their hands on the trophy. The battle at the other end of the table will be just as hard-fought with Armadale and ECU Joondalup amongst the early candidates for relegation.

The Top Five finals series, which kicks in upon conclusion of home and away fixtures, will determine just who is crowned State Champions at the start of October. footballwa.net takes a close look at the twelve clubs – in alphabetic order – making an assessment of each teams strengths and weakness, and summarising all the off-season player movements. The footballwa.net team are then joined by Tommy Doleman (World Football Programme) in offering their thoughts on how season 2012 will pan out...

There has been a changing of the guard at ARMADALE where a very difficult year awaits new coach Lee Bamber. The Reds finished just clear of the drop zone last year and during the summer lost a wealth of talent, so it was no surprise that they made an early exit from the Night Series. The new-look line-up will look towards experienced pair Cyril Sharrock and Matt Bennion for on-field leadership with young striker Alan Darlington leading the search for goals. With a lack of experience and depth, it is going to take one almighty effort for the Reds to avoid relegation.

In: Lee Bamber (coach), Kevin Brophy (coach), Mitch Castrilli (Morley Windmills), David Caine (Kilsyth Rangers, Sco), Alan Claxton (Gosnells City), Alan Darlington (Mandurah City), Jason Dodwell (Western Suburbs, Vic), Darren Francis (Gosnells City), Ravi Kuppusamy (Gosnells City), Mark McClements (GE Hamble, Eng), Josh Maddison (AFC Portchester, Eng), Graeme O'Flaherty (Skerries Town, Ire), Jason Pottier (Fremantle Spirit via Floreat Athena), Joseph Tavernese (FC New York, USA), Nicholas Viaggio (Sienna College, USA)
Out: Matt Barlow (Stirling Lions), Aaron Beattie, Warren Beattie (Ashton United, Eng), Anthony Campbell, Ross Diamond (Cockburn City), Tom Kennedy (Stirling Lions), Paul Lloyd (Stirling Lions), Steve McDonald (Sorrento), Scott Miller (coach), Parys Okai (Adelaide Galaxy, SA), Joe Page, Marlon Ramirez (Stirling Lions), James Robinson (Redbridge, Eng), Tom Robinson (Eng), Craig Robson (Stirling Lions), Craig Young (Mandurah City)

Michael Roki is looking forward to an encore performance at BALCATTA, who finished top of the Premier League in just their second season. Adam Tong and Simon Elton-Bott underpin a tight defence with Daniel Micevski, John Migas and Jason Barrera pulling the strings across the middle of the park. Steve Burton leads a lively attack which features Mo Atak and new recruit John Thornley, who will each cause opposing sides no end of problems. The pain of exiting last years’ final series early is still raw at Grindleford Reserve, but those lessons learnt will inspire them onto greater things in 2012.

In: Jason Barerra (long-term injury), Lewis Italiano* (Perth Glory Youth), Julian Madaschi (Floreat Athena), Simon Madaschi (Floreat Athena), John Paul Mills (Hungerford Town, Eng), Shane Nunes (Cockburn City), John Thornley (ECU Joondalup), Mark Walsh (Morley Windmills)
Out: Jalil Ahmad (Dianella White Eagles), Joshua Auguste (Fremantle Spirit), Kevin Carmona (Floreat Athena), Jack Clisby (Inglewood United via Perth Glory Youth), Spencer Harris (Floreat Athena), Michael Italiano (Swan United), Bobbi Klenkoski (Dianella White Eagles), Terry Monastra (Swan United), Daniel Neiderberger (Perth SC), Luke Palmeteer (Floreat Athena), Ashley Rosindale (long-term injury), Adam Stilliano (Swan United), Corey Wiltshire (Dianella White Eagles),

BAYSWATER CITY surprised many on their return to Premier League football, causing their fair share of upsets to claim sixth spot last year. Respected coach Mauro Marchione isn’t one to stand still and in leading his side further up the table has strengthened his squad with some quality arrivals, amongst them Patrick Quinn and goalkeeper Tom Dixon. Colombian striker Gustavo Giron-Marulanda will again be the focal point in attack with big roles also awaiting John Kearney, Gustavo Catachione and Cesar Gonzalez. With a Night Series final appearance already under their belt Bayswater are the dark horse of this years’ field.

In: Victor Brauner (Ternana, It), Damien Catalano (Floreat Athena), Gustavo Catarcione (North Beach), Ross Cosgrove (Shamrock Rovers), Tom Dixon (Western Knights), Douhr Chol (Inglewood United), Sadmir Jakupovic (BB United), Paul McCarthy (Tramore Athletic, Ire), Patrick Quinn, Mundy Tourre (Inglewood United), Stephen Turnbull (Harrogate, Eng), Junior Vandi (National Training Centre), Jack Wilkinson (Bridlington Sports Club, Eng), Joe Yoffe (Galway United, Ire)
Out: Francis Allen (retired), Alex Caniglia (Inglewood United via Perth Glory Youth), Kailo Karpeh, Kamara Kross (Fremantle Spirit), Tamba Saah (Fremantle Spirit), George Tchami, Joseph Tumoe

Division One champions BUNBURY FORUM FORCE are determined to make a mark on their first ever Premier Division adventure. The departure of several key figures from last season suggests Bunbury enter 2012 somewhat depleted, however, progression to the last four of the Night Series shows they have lost none of their quality or passion. Captain Oliver McGee, Ryan Montgomery, Jayden Prosser and Jon Brooks have big roles to play along with newcomers Steve Howson, Danny Kane and Martin Ryan. It’s absolutely vital Bunbury make a strong start to the year as history shows the second half of the season is a long, hard slog for the newly promoted team.

In: Craig Aldridge (North Perth United), Bright Ababio (Ghana), Aaron Brittain, Ross Harvey (Inglewood United), Steve Howson (Radcliffe Borough, Eng), Michael Hughes (USA), Danny Kane (Busselton), Mark Osmond (Mandurah City), Martin Ryan (Busselton), Aiden Savroy (Bradford Park Rangers, Eng)
Out: Rory Binnie, Evan Chate, (USA), Corey Cullen, Paul Harvey, Michael Marten, Eddie Moran (Ashfield), Jordan Rispon (retired), Ashley Young (Eng)

It’s been a summer of upheaval at FLOREAT ATHENA with new coach Chris Barbas totally overhauling the playing roster. Since the final days of 2011 in excess of a dozen players have parted company with the club, players who have walked straight into the first eleven at rival clubs. In their places have come the likes of Bobby Wilson, Ludovic Boi and Spencer Harris who’ve already struck a sound understanding with Mark Pritchard and Liam Boland. Depth is a currently a problem and a few more signings will be needed if Floreat are to challenge for top honours this season.

In: Chris Barbas (coach), Ludovic Boi (Stirling Lions), Kevin Carmona (Balcatta), Michael Craggs (Cockburn City), Brad Eiffe (Ashfield), Jake Geddes (Inglewood United), Spencer Harris (Balcatta), Sandi Loncar (BB United), Luke Palmeteer (Balcatta), Bobby Wilson (Stirling Lions), Marc Zagami (Cockburn City)
Out: Phil Arnold (Bentleigh Greens, Vic), Jarrod Belford (Perth SC), Damien Catalano (Bayswater City), Alex Dunn (Perth SC), Max Elliott, James Isaia (Perth SC), Ante Kovacevic (Canning City), Julian Madaschi (Balcatta), Simon Madaschi (Balcatta), Calum O'Connell (Western Knights), Curtis Prior, Justin Skowron (Swan United), Danny Trevisiol (Canning City), Paul Van Dongen (Canning City), Michael Van Dongen (Canning City), Miki Vujacic (Swan United via Inglewood United)

Another club going through an unsettling period is INGLEWOOD UNITED, who aligned themselves with national league club Perth Glory over the summer. Coaching legend Graham Normanton has done a fine job steadying the ship and avoided what could have been a disastrous mass player walk-out. Ndumba Makeche, Ryan Clarke, James Sammut, Brandon O’Neill and Alex Caniglia show the calibre of players they have on board. Anything less than a top five finish will be considered a failure, that said it’s difficult to see how that won’t be achieved.

In: Alex Caniglia (Bayswater City via Perth Glory Youth), Jack Clisby (Balcatta via Perth Glory Youth), Brendan Craig (long-term injury), Jonathon Davite (Cockburn City), Tim Doyle (National Training Centre via Perth Glory Youth), Alex Jovic (National Training Centre via Perth Glory Youth), Ryan Lowry (National Training Centre via Perth Glory Youth), Ndumba Makeche* (Perth Glory Youth), Graham Normanton (coach), Brandon O'Neill (Inglewood United via National Training Centre via Perth Glory Youth), Devon Spence (Perth SC via Perth Glory Youth)
Out: Gerard Brown (Western Knights), Adrian Caceres (Chirangrai United, Thai), Douhr Chol (Bayswater City), Paul Dugdale, James Duncan (long-term injury), Jake Geddes (Floreat Athena), Rory Grant, Ross Harvey (Bunbury Forum Force), Darko Ilmanoski (retired), David McNally (Swan United), Ashley Picker (Ashfield), Shane Pryce (coach), Danny Stoitis (Stirling Lions), Oliver Taseski (retired), Mundy Tourre (Bayswater City)

ECU JOONDALUP will be lead into the new season by a new, as yet un-announced coach following the departure of Paul Simmons less than a fortnight out from the start of the campaign. The summer months have not been particularly kind to Joondalup, whose stocks have been weakened by the departure of several influential figures. Loyal servants Jon Higgins, Scott Blackmore, Dale McCulloch and Andy Banks form the backbone of the team with avenues to goal the task of new signings Billy Quinncroft, David Foster and Rob Draper. It’s going to be a very tough year for Joondalup, only time will tell whether they can stay afloat.

In: Robert Croft (Lichfield, Ire), Shane Doyle, Rob Draper (Chester-le-Street Town, Eng), David Foster (Sorrento), Ricky Gardner (Joondalup United), Stuart Hartmann (Whitford City), Billy Quinncroft (Bogor Raya, Indo), Ismail Shamer (SAfr), Johnny Stark, Israel Tan (Tanjong Pagar United, Sing)
Out: Syd Amphlett (coach), Jake Benson-Cooper (Wanneroo City), Charlie Comyn-Platt (long-term injury), Joe Digney (Wanneroo City), Declan Hargreaves (National Training Centre), Brynn Hindley (Wanneroo City), Matt Italiano (Morley Windmills), Ross Laing, Ryan McDarby (Stirling Lions), Nick Maplestone (Quinns FC), Max Pope (Wanneroo City), Alex Sallary (Wanneroo City), Paul Simmons (coach), Jon Stynes (Kilmarnock, Sco), John Thornley (Balcatta), Chris Wylie (Mandurah City)

On-field successes will remain few and far between for the NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE, but then again winning games isn’t really the goal for the development squad. Kenny Lowe was pleased with what his teenage squad achieved last year and for the new season one-time Australia youth international Riley Woodcock returns to line-up alongside the likes of Sam Mitchinson, Storm Roux, Blamo Quaqua, Byron Hudson and Sahr Musa. There’s no doubt the NTC player group will benefit from this years’ experiences but it’s a good thing for all involved that they’re ineligible for relegation.

In / Promoted: Boima Ballah, Cameron Burgess, Jacob Collard, Savo Cubrilo, Jordan Franken, Ali Gholami (Cockburn City), Declan Hargreaves (ECU Joondalup), Matty McRoberts, Daniel Moss, Albert Ngeyo, Connor Price, Luke Radonich, Callum Richardson, Lawrence Shuruma, Alex Suleski, Riley Woodcock (Australian Institute of Sport), Friday Zico (Fremantle Spirit)
Out: Leo Athanasiou (Melbourne Victory Youth), Daniel Dols (Stirling Lions), Tim Doyle (Inglewood United via Perth Glory Youth), Scott Galloway (Australian Institute of Sport), Hanig Ghazali, Alex Jovic (Inglewood United via Perth Glory Youth), Ryan Lowry (Inglewood United via Perth Glory Youth), James Marocchi (Perth SC), Matthew Ntoumenopoulos (Australian Institute of Sport), Brandon O'Neill (Inglewood United via Perth Glory Youth), Josh Risdon (Perth Glory), Michael Rizidis (Perth SC), Chris Saldaris (Perth SC), Francis Soale (Stirling Lions), Jeremy Tshongo (Australian Institute of Sport), Stephen Walmsley (Central Connecticut State University, USA), Junior Vandi (Bayswater City)

The benchmark to which all others aspire is PERTH SC Gianfranco Circati’s side made an early statement of intent by lifting the Night Series trophy for a record 20th time and they’ll carry that winning momentum across the full length of this coming winter. The core remains much as it has for the past few years – Shaun Kilkelly, Trent Kay, Antonio Naglieri, Dom De Felice, Andreas Oliveira and David Onoforo – with additions such as Alex Dunn and James Isaia strengthening the pre-season favourites tag. It is going to take something very special to prevent Perth from ending the year on top of the Premier Division table.

In: Jarrod Belford (Floreat Athena), Henrik Dahal (Nor), Alex Dunn (Floreat Athena), James Isaia (Floreat Athena), James Marocchi (National Training Centre), Daniel Neiderberger (Balcatta), Michael Rizidis (National Training Centre), Chris Saldaris (National Training Centre)
Out: Matt Beyer, Tom Black (Swan United), Jason Dos Santos, Rhys Loxley (Swan United), Robbie Puca (Southern Spirit), Jason Saldaris (South Melbourne, Vic), Devon Spence (Inglewood United via Perth Glory Youth)

A stable playing roster will put SORRENTO very much in the mix for the regular season title. For his second season at the helm Paul Price has made only a few minor adjustments to his squad, welcoming a few familiar faces back to the club and bringing in a couple of quality imports. Curtis Aspden, Danny Cain and veteran Jamie Harnwell anchor a tight defensive unit, creative pair Glen Thomas and Brodie Martin provide the link in the middle of the park with captain Todd Harnwell leading the way in attack. Very few would place Sorrento outside the top three.

In: Mike Aspin (Hyde FC, Eng), Stuart Banks (Kingsway Olympic), David Calder (Banks O’Dee FC, Sco), Steve McDonald (Armadale), James Morgan (Roman Glass St George, Eng), James T Morgan (Western Knights), Glenn Thomas (Western Knights), Reece Vittiglia (Perth Glory Youth)
Out: David Abelwhite, Jack Doyle (Crumlin United, Ire), David Foster (ECU Joondalup), David Price (retired), Shane Webb, Cameron Yorke

An active recruitment campaign has given STIRLING LIONS’ loyal supporters hope for a successful year. For his first full season in charge Doug Hesketh has turned to the transfer market to re-energise his side, bringing to Macedonia Park players of the calibre of Matty Barlow, Anthony Lyons and Irish midfielder Gareth McGlynn. Together with veteran goalkeeper Cory Hugo, Michael Pugliese, Jason Gavin and Phil O’Callaghan they’ll form the foundations of a robust Stirling outfit. Its’ difficult seeing Stirling as a serous title contender but they do have enough on boar to claim a top five placing.

In: Clayton Arnez (Perth Glory Youth), Matt Barlow (Armadale), Daniel Dols (National Training Centre), Andy Harold (Forrestfield United), Matt Harold (Forrestfield United), Tom Kennedy (Armadale), Paul Lloyd (Armadale), Anthony Lyons (Forrestfield United), Ryan McDarby (ECU Joondalup), Gareth McGlynn (Derry County, NIre), Kyran Nunes (Berea Albion (SAfr), Francis Soale (National Training Centre), Danny Stoitis (Inglewood United), Marlon Ramirez (Armadale), Craig Robson (Armadale)
Out: Ludovic Boi (Floreat Athena), Owen Curtis (Swan United), Dean Evans (Sham Shui Po, HK), Roberto Lujan (UWA-Nedlands), Anthony Skorich (Bentleigh Greens, Vic.), Jamie Watt (NSW), Bobby Wilson (Floreat Athena)

Another club heading into the home and away series with a new coach is WESTERN KNIGHTS. The departure of Carl Medica and Alex Christie, for family and work reasons, at the conclusion of the Night Series opened the door for Willie Kelly to take charge of a squad bristling with talent. Captain David Annall, Ivan Zuvela and Calum O’Connell form an imposing defensive unit, the supply from midfield comes from Luka Jukic and Stuart Montgomery with the task of scoring goals falling to Callum Roberts and Johny Mirco. There’s plenty on show at the Knights but the overall feeling is they lack the depth required to challenge for top honours.

In: Matt Allen (Cockburn City), David Araya (Cockburn City), Gerard Brown (Inglewood United), Calum O'Connell (Floreat Athena), Ivan Skorich (Cockburn City), Julian Teles (Cockburn City), Dale Wingell (long-term injury), Ivan Zuvela (Mandurah City)
Out: Paul Cooke (retired), Cormac Dawson , Tom Dixon (Bayswater City), Stuart Ferguson, Duncan Hind (retired), Garth Lecky (Canning City), Danny Malcolm (Subiaco AFC), Branimir Mikulic (Ashfield), James T Morgan (Sorrento), Frazer Siddall (Southern Stars, Vic), Stuart Siddall (Dianella White Eagles), Glenn Thomas (Sorrento), Simon Versaico (long-term injury), Josh Wade (Morley Windmills)

footballwa.net Predictions

Division One

The 2012 Division One season swings into action this weekend with several clubs staking an early claim on promotion to the top flight. Mandurah City, Swan United and a resurgent Ashfield have been tipped for top honours, however, lining up behind them are a host of champions-in-waiting. There’ll also be plenty of interest at the other end of the table where Forrestfield United, Rockingham City and Fremantle Spirit are expected to fill the two relegation spots. This week footballwa.net takes a close look at the thirteen clubs, assessing the strengths and weakness of each and summarising all the off-season player movements. The footballwa.net team are then joined by Tommy Doleman (World Football Programme) in offering their thoughts on how season 2012 will pan out...

ASHFIELD are primed to take an elevator up the Division One standings. Over the past couple of years Matt Carruthers has transformed the playing roster and a Night Series last four appearance suggests all that hard work is about to pay off. Martin Sherwin, Matt Wardle, Brian Maybin and Karl O’Reilly remain as the core of the side with summer recruits Branimir Mikulic and Ryan Frisina adding a new dimension to the line-up. Ashfield will be very difficult to beat in 2012 and, should all the pieces fall into place, they could well finish up at the top of the pile.

In: Okwy Diamondstar (Mohun Bagan, Ind), Ryan Frisina (Morley Windmills), Grant Learmont (Forrestfield United), Branimir Mikulic (Western Knights), Eddie Moran (Bunbury Forum Force / Maine Road FC), Nattapong Narongphunt (Swan United), Steve O'Mahoney (Shamrock Rovers), John Perkins (Shamrock Rovers, Ire), Ashley Picker (Inglewood United), Karl Tate (Blue Bell United, Ire), Nathan Tosum (Bury, Eng), Rueben Tristao (Futbol Clube Marihas, Port), Darryl Warren (Sunshine George Cross, Vic)
Out: Chris Beech, Shannon Benniston (Forrestfield United), Wayne Culverwell (Kingsway Olympic), Brad Eiffe (Floreat Athena), Bobby Irving (long-term injury), Alex Stamatiadis (long-term injury), Matt Weyell (Forrestfield United)

After teetering on the brink of State League oblivion CANNING CITY have regrouped and are set to be the seasons’ big improver. Paul and Michael Van Dongen have returned to the club as joint player/coaches and brought with them some much needed defensive muscle in the form of Ante Kovacevic and Garth Lecky. Paul Oliver, Simon Corriea, Mike Lawson and the Van Dongen brothers will have a lot to say when they push into the final third. Survival may be their only goal at this stage but there’s a definite feeling Canning have the players on board to push towards the top six.

In: Michael Bushby (Fremantle United), Anthony Campbell (Armadale), Jakub Chudy, Ante Kovacevic (Floreat Athena), Mike Lawson, Garth Lecky (Western Knights), Paul Oliver (Wigan Robin Park (Eng), Danny Trevisiol (Floreat Athena), Paul Van Dongen (Floreat Athena), Michael Van Dongen (Floreat Athena)
Out: Tom Barrett (Subiaco AFC), Jono Choo (Melville City), Richard Francisco (coach), Lewis McConnon (Forrestfield United)

COCKBURN CITY are back in Division One for the first time in three and a half decades. The off-season saw a fair number of players drift away from the club, however, coach Mike Lyons has steadied the ship by promoting from within and recruiting wisely. Towering striker Ian McMurray will lead the line with support going forward from Marc Anthony and Devon Gibson, while club veteran Paul Natale stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Euan Grant at the back. There’s no doubting the strength of Cockburn’s preferred line-up but, as the case was last year, whether they possess the depth to be truly competitive remains to be seen.

In: Martin Barnes (Forrestfield United), Ross Diamond (Armadale), Devon Gibson, James Hesketh (Rockingham City), John Hunter (Forrestfield United), Peter Kuzet (Rockingham City), Dusan Macura, Mileta Miletic, Anthony Pereira (Southern Spirit), Stephen Ross (Eng), Matt Salmon (Eng), Chris Smith (Eng)
Out: Matt Allen (Western Knights), David Araya (Western Knights), Michael Craggs (Floreat Athena), Jonathon Davite (Inglewood United), Alex Dibley (Eng), Ross Edwards (Wanneroo City), Adam Evans (Mandurah City), Rory Feely (UWA-Nedlands), Ali Gholami (National Training Centre), Scott McCulloch (Whitehill Welfare, Sco), Marco Murray-Warmt, Shane Nunes (Balcatta), Alex Pearson, Michael Petkovic (retired), Ivan Skorich (Western Knights), Julian Teles (Western Knights), Su Sang Yang (South Korea), Marc Zagami (Floreat Athena)

There are positive signs DIANELLA WHITE EAGLES may have finally found the stability needed to start building towards a successful future. Some clear long-term goals have been set and the club must now show their ongoing faith in the coaching and playing teams if they are to be achieved. Goalkeeper Matt Battigelli has a key role to play at the back alongside Corey Wiltshire and Bojan Radinovic, while going in the other direction Andreas Theodosiades and Andrew Kiir will be vital in unlocking opposing defences. Dianella will not feature in this years’ title race nor will they be in the relegation mix.

In: Jalil Ahmad (Balcatta), Joe Bignell (Port Macquarie, NSW), Daniel Cagorski, Phil Clarke, John Foley (Carlisle), Andrew Kiir (Balcatta), Stuart Siddall (Western Knights), Corey Wiltshire (Balcatta), Steven Worthy
Out: Byron Allen, Danilo Podrascanin, Ognten Radonic, Ben Wante

The scene has been set for a period of regeneration at FORRESTFIELD UNITED. The eastern corridor club have consistently placed strongly in recent times but the off-season departure of several influential figures signals a changing of the guard. For his first full season in charge Phil Butler has brought in a few select recruits, amongst them Peter Lord and Andy Griffiths, to compliment a squad that already boasts Jordan Hart, Chris Holland and Luke Woodfin. A long, hard slog awaits for Forrestfield’s new-look and young squad who will have done well if place outside the bottom four come seasons’ end.

In: Laurie Augimeri (Swan United), Steph Babich, Shannon Benniston (Ashfield), Jonathon Cole, Andy Griffiths (North Perth United), Joe Ives, Peter Lord (North Perth United), Lewis McConnon (Canning City), James Monks (Wanneroo City), Cameron Stevenson (Gosnells City), Matt Weyell (Ashfield)
Out: Martin Barnes (Cockburn City), Louis Costley, Anthony Cunningham, Simon El Chami (Melville City), Sam French (long-term injury), Beau Geerlings, Andy Harold (Stirling Lions), Matt Harold (Stirling Lions)Graham Herd (Melville City), John Hunter (Cockburn City), Grant Learmont (Ashfield), Anthony Lyons (Stirling Lions), Alan Nanini (Morley Windmills), John Nanini (long-term injury), Sean Treacey, Chris Wollaston, Jarrod Zamboni

A player exodus on a massive scale during the summer months has positioned FREMANTLE SPIRIT as prime candidates to fill one of the relegation spots. Following the departure of their entire senior list, not to mention a late change of coach, Chris Bates has tackled with vigour the task of assembling a squad which can compete at this level. Everyone at the club is confident they’ve got the players that can do the job, however, the view from outside is very different with a chronic lack of quality, experience and depth hard to overlook. The alarm bells must surely be ringing very loud at Wauhop Park.

In: Unconfirmed at time of publication
Out: Caleb Aquino, Jacob Aquino, Elhossain Atekhis, Angelo Canzurlo (Fremantle United), James Castiello (Melville City), Roberto Colalillo (Fremantle United), Tim De Souza (Fremantle United), Luke Doyle, Chris Farmer, Lee Fernandez, Cameron Hayes (Fremantle United), Lachlan McAlindon (Southern Spirit), Darren Monaghan (Fremantle United), Corey Muirhead, Alan Pottier (coach), Emut Quaqua, Gersham Rowland (Rockingham City), Joe Senzio, Guy Shepero, Tyson Thorton, Mason Vojdani, Friday Zico (National Training Centre), Innocent Zico (Melville City)

There’s not going to be much change in the fortunes of GOSNELLS CITY. The eastern corridor club have bobbled around the middle of the table for the best part of a decade and in an attempt to move on up coach Tony Maguire has recruited strongly from abroad. How quickly those new arrivals gel with the existing player group will determine whether their season is a success. Ciaran Allen, Danny Hauhey, Adrian McBride, Andy Pomfret and Jamie Burns are the players to watch. Gosnells won’t be in the title race but nor will they be contesting relegation.

In: Paul Carlin (Ire), Allan Carroll (Shamrock Rovers), Allan Creer (Sco), Darren Gamble (Ire), Danny Hauhey (Ire), Dane McBride, Tiernan McMullen (Ire), Tommy Murphy (Ire), Peter Ryan (Ire), Steve Underwood (Vic)
Out: Alan Claxton (Armadale), Alan Dunlop (retired), Darren Francis (Armadale), Josh Gowland (Melville City), Joe Harvey (Fremantle United), David Keenan (Melville City), Ravi Kuppusamy (Armadale), Cameron Stevenson (Forrestfield United)

There’s a new spring in the step of MANDURAH CITY. The Dolphins have lost very few players since have relegation thrust on them and in preparing his team for a swift return to the top flight coach Mike Brazil has recruited wisely. Three times Goalkeeper of the Year Phil Straker and club captain Ryan Townsend anchor the backline, the run through midfield comes via Jeff Bright and Craig Young with the task of converting chances into goal falling to Farrell Hedges. Mandurah boasts talents, experience and balance – don’t be surprised to see them holding the trophy aloft at seasons end.

In: Jay Bonser (Rockingham City), Jeff Bright (Rockingham City), Adam Evans (Cockburn City), Farrell Hedges, Danny Macklin (Rockingham City), Craig Tone (Rockingham City), Chris Wylie (ECU Joondalup), Craig Young (Armadale)
Out: Alan Darlington (Armadale), Sean Dash, Aaron Dos Santos, Marco Dos Santos (Rockingham City), Garin Collins (Wanneroo City), Kenny Ftynogiannis, Mark Osmond (Bunbury Forum Force), Ivan Zuvela (Western Knights)

2012 is shaping up to be an intriguing year for MORLEY WINDMILLS, a club widely considered a sleeping giant of the State League. Since taking charge around eighteen months ago Salv Todaro has re-modelled the senior list into a competitive outfit worthy of placing in the upper reaches of Division One. Veteran goalkeeper Steve Grant and captain Nick Davies look after things at the back with Joe Woodin, Josh Wade and Matt Italiano providing drive in the opposite direction. With the players on Morley’s books, anything outside the top five should be considered another failed campaign.

In: Keith Clevenger, Steve Cowbrough (Shamrock Rovers), Michael Dudek, Matt Italiano (ECU Joondalup), Edin Mehic (Golden Lily), Niall Murphy (Swan United), Alan Nanini (Forrestfield United), Josh Wade (Western Knights), Eddie Walsh (Ire), Matt Wood
Out: Adriano D'Adamo (retired), Mitch Castrilli (Armadale), Stewart Delgarno (Melville City), Paul Dundo (retired), Ryan Frisina (Ashfield), Leo Harman (retired), Ian McKean (Holland Park, Qld), Lee Thomas (Kingsway Olympic), Damien Todorovic (retired), Mark Walsh (Balcatta), Lucas Whitehouse (Swan United)

There has been little indication that 2012 holds anything different for perennial strugglers ROCKINGHAM CITY to any other year in the past decade. A rash of departures has left Steve Robinson’s cupboard looking decidedly bare, leaving the coach little option but to put his faith in youth. Oscar Thomson and Darren Lawlor will shoulder a heavy burden at the back while going in the other direction strongly-built Josh Senior has been tasked with converting the supply of Oliver Swords and Marco Dos Santos. The overriding feeling is Rockingham will spend another winter battling to keep their heads above water.

In: Tom Collins, Darren Donachie, Marco Dos Santos (Mandurah City), Frank Reece (NZ), Gersham Rowland (Fremantle Spirit), Josh Senior (long-term injury), Stevan Sibincic (Balcatta), Oliver Sword (long-term injury)
Out: Jay Bonser (Mandurah City), Jeff Bright (Mandurah City), Joshua Cartman (Eng), Tommy Downes (retired), James Hesketh (Cockburn City), Lydon Hodgkiss (Eng), Jamie Kidd (SA), Peter Kuzet (Cockburn City), Adam McLeod (retired), Danny Macklin (Mandurah City), Connor Price (National Training Centre), Craig Tone (Mandurah City)

SHAMROCK ROVERS are out to prove the stunning successes of their State League debut were no fluke. The club was busy in the summer transfer market with a host of new arrivals strengthening the squad as they prepare to make a serious assault on the title. Eamon Barnes and Paudie O’Connor are key figures in the defensive half of the field while going forward Cathal Quinn, Ian Stack and Nick Carroll will have a big say in how their season pans out. If the pieces all fall into place Shamrock may just go all the way this year.

In: Ritchie Barry (UWA-Nedlands), Andy Dickinson (coach), Brian Farrell (Ire), Stephen Farrell (Griffith Rovers, Ire), Neil Fitzsimmons (Ire), Robbie Kelly (Ire), Mark O'Brien, Darren O'Riordan (Rock Mount AFC, Ire), Steven Roche (Kingsway Olympic), Dan Sheaf (Kwinana United), Ross Shepheard (UWA-Nedlands)
Out: Glen Brooks (USA), Sean Brooks (NSW), Allan Carroll (Gosnells City), Ross Cosgrove (Bayswater City), Steve Cowbrough (Morley Windmills), Robbie Fanning (long-term injury), Daniel McCurdy, Paul McCue (coach), Steve O'Mahoney (Ashfield), Jonathon Parker, Justin Scarvaci (BB United), Mark Sheehan (NT)

SWAN UNITED will once again be one of the teams to beat in Division One. Edged out for promotion by Bunbury Forum Force last year, the black and whites will require little motivating when the new season swings into action. Goalkeeper Daniel Agudelo, new signing David McNally and Robert Monterosso are at the heart of an impressive defensive line, Trent Wood and Adam Stillitano provide inspiration from the middle of the park with John Monterosso the target man up-front. Swan wants to be playing top flight football sooner rather than later, they may just get that wish.

In: Tom Black (Perth SC), Owen Curtis (Stirling Lions), Ben Hassler (Ballajura), Michael Italiano (Balcatta), Rhys Loxley (Perth SC), Jimmy McPhail (Norton and Stockton, Eng), David McNally (Inglewood United), Terry Monastra (Balcatta), James Mudd (Crossflatts, Eng), Mickey Roberts (Eng), Justin Skowron (Floreat Athena), Adam Stilliano (Balcatta), Miki Vujacic (Floreat Athena via Inglewood United), Lucas Whitehouse (Morley Windmills)
Out: Laurie Augimeri (Forrestfield United), Anthony McStea (retired), Niall Murphy (Morley Windmills), Nattapong Narongphunt (Ashfield)

Very few would argue against WANNEROO CITY being close to the top of the table come winters’ end. Rookie coach David Tough has brought a whole new level of depth to the northern suburbs outfit by retaining the bulk of last seasons’ player group and through a targeted recruitment campaign. Garin Collins, Brian Cairney and Guy McDonald complement each other nicely in the attacking half while at the other end its team captain Anthony Jones and Ross Edwards that stand out. Wanneroo have both the quality and depth to gain promotion, time will tell if they can also find the consistency.

In: Brian Cairney (long-term injury), Garin Collins (Mandurah City), Jake Benson-Cooper (ECU Joondalup), Joe Digney (ECU Joondalup), Ross Edwards (Cockburn City), Lewis Hall, Brynn Hindley (ECU Joondalup), Anthony Jones (Joondalup City), Joe Marsden, Kevin Miller, Max Pope (ECU Joondalup), Alex Sallary (ECU Joondalup), David Tough (coach, ECU Joondalup), Darren Tucker, Rowdy Yates
Out: James Monks (Forrestfield United), David Herety (long-term injury), Gerry McEwan (coach)

footballwa.net Predictions

Division Two

The 2011 Division One season

You can be assured FREMANTLE UNITED will be close to the top of the table come the end of September. With ten amateur league and five Cup wins since 1985 the port side are clearly no strangers to success and Jason Smith’s experienced squad looks set for another big year. Marshalling the defences are Cameron Hayes and Andrew Morrow, captain Willie Pender and Michael De Souza channel the ball through midfield with new signing Joe Harvey responsible for converting chances into goals. If Fremantle can get some runs on the board early then the ribbons on the trophy may end up being black and white.

In: Angelo Canzurlo (Fremantle Spirit), Craig Christie (Ire), Roberto Colalillo (Fremantle Spirit), Tim De Souza (Fremantle Spirit), Joe Harvey (Gosnells City), Cameron Hayes (Fremantle Spirit), Iain McKinnes (Sco), Darren Monaghan (Fremantle Spirit), Connor Murphy (Ire), Jamie O'Sullivan (Ire)
Out: Michael Bushby (Canning City), Seamus Daniels (Leeming Strikers), Daniel Palermo, Marc Sim

Stepping up to the State League is not going to be an easy task for JOONDALUP CITY. The northern suburbs club struggled in the third tier of Sunday football last year and some significant summer departures combined with a flat pre-season points towards a campaign with more lows a than highs. How great an influence Dave Stapleton, Sam Miller, Bryan Noal, Danny Beattie and Will Powley can have will go a long way in determining whether they can climb above last spot. As an outsider it’s hard to see that happening.

In: Unconfirmed at the time of publication
Out: Mike Banks (Joondalup United), Mark Cox, Ben Davies-Smith (Joondalup United), Ricky Gardiner (Joondalup United), Anthony Jones (Wanneroo City), Nicholas King, Liam McComas, Tom Nicholson, Steve Trowbridge, Toby Wright

The season could go either way for two-times State League champions KINGSWAY OLYMPIC. They may have failed to score in 270 minutes of Night Series football but Kingsway have a very proud history and will fight tooth and nail to be amongst the frontrunners this year. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder at the back are State representatives Aaron Lickiss and Jess Higgins, new signing Lewis Flatt joins David Ashworth in the middle of the park as Wayne Culverwell goes about finding the back of the net. Kingsway will finish mid-table somewhere, nudging the top four if luck goes their way.

In: Wayne Culverwell (Ashfield), Lewis Flatt, Brian Hedges (Carramar Cougars), Lee Sheppard (Eng), Lee Thomas (Morley Windmills), Ben Towers (Carramar Cougars)
Out: Stuart Banks (Sorrento), Stephen Beesley, Steven Roche (Shamrock Rovers), Andre Sarpe

MELVILLE CITY will make a lasting impression in their State League debut. Over the past few years Melville placed consistently in the upper reaches of the Sunday League Premier Division and new coach Danny Evans intends for that trend to continue. A rash of signings, highlighted by Stuart Delgarno and Arthur Gaye, has strengthened a squad based around Lee MacKay, Michael Jennings and John Brennan. With a good pre-season under their belt, in which they struck nine goals in three games with six of those coming against Premier Division opposition, Melville are on track for the top three.

In: Steve Arnold (Eng), Gavin Brown (Sco), James Castiello (Fremantle Spirit), Jono Choo (Canning City), Stewart Delgarno (Morley Windmills), Simon El Chami (Forrestfield United), Arthur Gaye (Casuarina, NT), Josh Gowland (Gosnells City), Mohamed Gholami, Graham Herd (Forrestfield United), Graham Jenkins (Eng), David Keenan (Gosnells City), Kevin Nolan (Ire), Matt Player (Queens Park), Paul Sanchez, Dennis Silva (Braz), Adam Sparks (Eng), Martin Sullivan (Ire), Innocent Zico (Fremantle Spirit)
Out: Aaron Bahadori (Southern Spirit), Andy Barrett (Backpacker FC), David Docherty (retired), Diego Garcia, Jacob King (retired), Jamie Nugent (retired), Rune Van Rille (Nor)

Rival teams would be wise not to read too much into QUINNS' flat pre-season performance. For their first ever State League foray the northern suburbs club have retained the core of last seasons’ side and developed depth by recruiting from neighbouring clubs, most notably Sunday League Cup holders Joondalup United. Goalkeeper Anthony Cochrane, Sergio Coehlo and John McNeill will be key figures in their season along with brothers Nick and Aaron Maplestone, who played at the club in their junior days. For Quinns this year will be all about building the foundations for future success.

In: Billy Andrews, Mark Beattie, Jamie Blu, Adam Bowers, Joe Bowers, Adam Buckley (Joondalup United), Chris Buckley, Jack Cann (Kingsley), Rudi Coetzer (Whitford City), John Evans (coach, Joondalup United), Ryan Green, Todd Hoyle, Louis Hughes (Whitford City), Brad Kershaw, Terry Kirkhouse (coach, Joondalup United), Chris McDermott, John McNeil (Joondalup United), Aaron Maplestone (Joondalup United), Nick Maplestone (ECU Joondalup), Michael Mellon, George Mills (Joondalup United), Jack Nash (Joondalup United), Ryan Pellow, Andy Rowe
Out: Danny D'Avonbe, James Fletcher, Joe Mooney, Ben Oechieng, Lee Perry, Steve Peterson, Michael Quinn, Bruno Steptoe, Hung Tran, Jon Van Der Heiden (Joondalup City),

SUBIACO AFC are very much the dark horse of Division Two. For their first State League outing in two decades Ian Cowan has assembled a competitive line-up in which evergreen Harry Johnson is joined at the back by imports Barry Hurd and Frank Galvin. Danny Malcolm comes into the centre of the park to partner Jordan Rhodes but without a recognised finisher their hard work might amount to nothing. Subiaco have the makings of being a title contender, however, that won’t be this year and for the time being they’ll have to be content with a spot around the middle of the table.

In: Tom Barrett (Canning City), Will Carter (Vic), Simon Edwards (long-term injury), Frank Galvin (Ire), Karol Hannon (Ire), Barry Hurd (NSW), Danny Malcolm (Western Knights), Niall Torpey, Marcus Urban (Vic)
Out: Doug Anderson, Barry Briman, David Crese, Colm Hanley, Lee Mackie, Ritchie Walsh (Ire)

UWA-NEDLANDS are the red-hot favourite to get their hands on the Division Two title. Scintillating Night Series form had them get the better of top flight clubs ECU Joondalup, Sorrento and Floreat Athena, momentum which they’ll carry into the coming league campaign. Manny Arapis and Brad Skea have been tasked with keeping opposing teams out while going in the other direction newcomers Rory Feely and Roberto Lujan along with team captain Steve Purton will be going their all to unlock defences. The squad assembled by coaches Kevin Burton and John McGlynn is more than capable of going all the way.

In: Guy Clark (Coleshill Town, Eng), Rory Feely (Cockburn City), Roberto Lujan (Stirling Lions), Jake Mann (Colorado State University, USA), Dimitri Phylactou, Tom Sellers (Leek Town, Eng)
Out: Ritchie Barry (Shamrock Rovers), David Berg (retired), Marc D'Ascanio, C.Fisher (long-term injury), Ben Hunt (Eng), Kyle King, M.Lee (Eng), C.Mudford, T.Oosthuizen, Ross Shepheard (Shamrock Rovers)

footballwa.net Predictions

Sunday League Premier Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Southern Spirit
 2 Joondalup United
 3 BB United
 4 Kingsley
 5 South Perth United
 6 Spearwood Dalmatinac
 7 North Perth United
 8 Hamersley Rovers
 9 Fremantle Croatia
10 Whitford City
11 Belmont Villa
12 International Calcio

Sunday League First Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Perth Royals
 2 North Lake
 3 Stirling Panthers
 4 Gwelup Croatia
 5 Curtin University
 6 Kwinana United
 7 Floreat Athena Amateurs
 8 Kelmscott Roos
 9 Centanary FC
10 North Beach
11 Canning International
12 Queens Park

Sunday League Second Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Wembley Downs
 2 Port Kennedy
 3 Kalamunda United
 4 Maddington Eagles
 5 UWA-Nedlands FC Amateurs
 6 Maccabi
 7 Armdale Amateurs
 8 Golden Lily
 9 Ballajura
10 Kingsway Olympic Amateurs
11 Joondalup United "B"
12 Fremantle Colo Colo

Sunday League Third Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Canning City Amateurs
 2 Bassendean Caledonian
 3 Subiaco AFC Amateurs
 4 Balga
 5 Gosnells City Amateurs
 6 La Fiamma
 7 Quinns FC Amateurs
 8 Lynwood United
 9 Rockingham City Amateurs
10 Carramar FC
11 Swan United Amateurs
12 Perth Hills United

Sunday League Fourth Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Leeming Strikers
 2 Warnbro Strikers
 3 Melville City FC Amateurs
 4 Cracovia White Eagles
 5 Jaguar FC
 6 Sutherlands Park
 7 Fraser Park
 8 Stirling Lions Amateurs
 9 UWA-Nedlands FC Amateurs "B"
10 Perth Royals "B"
11 South Perth United "B"
12 Subiaco AFC Amateurs "B"

Sunday League Fifth Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Shamrock Rovers Amateurs
 2 Bayswater City Amateurs
 3 Caversham Athletic
 4 Ahly Perth FC
 5 Sporting Warriors
 6 Westnam United
 7 Hamersley Rovers "B"
 8 Morley City
 9 Curtin University "B"
10 Forrestfield United Amateurs
11 Belmont Villa "B"

Back to www.footballwa.net

This page was last updated on the 12th April, 2011