2013 Season Preview

Premier League

The 2013 Premier Division season is sure to be a cracker, with a revamped Perth SC and defending champions Sorrento predicted to lead the charge. However, it would take a brave man to write off Balcatta, Night Series winners Bayswater City or newly promoted Cockburn City. The battle at the other end of the table will be just as hard-fought with Bunbury Forum Force, Armadale and ECU Joondalup amongst the early candidates for relegation.

The Top Five finals series, which kicks in upon the conclusion of home and away series, will once again determine who is crowned State Champions at the start of October. footballwa.net's newest recruit Anthony Harris 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 then offer up their thoughts on how season 2013 will pan out...

It seems another tough season awaits ARMADALE. A solid pre-season has no doubt given coach Lee Bamber confidence of a change in his clubs fortune, and when the likes of Cyril Sharrock, veteran English defender Andy Todd, Louie Bake and Lance Louvie are firing the Reds will be more than capable of matching it with anyone in the league. However, what is going to limit Armadale’s successes is the same lack of depth and inconsistency which has all too often in the past proved their undoing. It really is difficult to see Armadale picking up enough points to stay clear of the drop zone – a final placing within the bottom three is to be expected.

In: Llewelyn Bake (Rockingham City), Callum Barry (Burntwood Town, Eng), Daniel Birner (Southern Spirit), Andy Bowyer (Kingsway Olympic), Lance Louvie (Rockingham City), Ian Maguire (Gosnells City), Mark Peers (Ashton United, Eng), Billy Quinncroft (ECU Joondalup), Jack Salter (Birkenhead United, NZ), Andy Todd (Eng)
Out: Blake Adams, Jack Adams (Cockburn City), Wilf Dinsdale, Stephen Fox (Maddington White City), Lee Hayward (Maddington White City), Mark McClements, Josh Maddison, Craig Robson (Sorrento), Joey Tavernese, Nick Viaggio (Greek-American Atlas, USA), Dale Wingell

There’s an extra spring in the step of BALCATTA with rookie coach Saul Contera determined to make a mark. The summer months saw a fair degree of movement both in and out of the camp with some notable losses offset by astute recruitment. The run and drive provided by Moe Atak, Simon Versaico and Bajo Savic will produce a slew of chances on goal for returning striker Ashley Rosindale, while Adam Tong’s muscle and the safe hands of Alex Dunn will be as crucial going in the opposite direction. It’s hard to see Balcatta in the mix for regular season honours, however, they will have a very big say as to who is.

In: Michael Aspin (Sorrento), Adam Bachiller (Perth SC), Kevin Burton (coach), Saul Contera (coach), Alex Dunn (Perth SC), Shaun Gibbons (Hamersley Rovers), Ashley Rosindale (long-term injury), Bajo Savic (retirement), Ben Say (Stockport County, Eng), Banner Schafer (UWA-Nedlands), Jarrad Smith (Floreat Athena), Sean Troup (Rockingham City), Jackson Turner (Western Knights), Simon Versaico (long-term injury)
Out: James Gordon (Inglewood United), Geneveo Human (Swan United), Boima Karpeh (Pune, Ind), Bobson Koroma, Simon Madaschi (Gwelup Croatia), Daniel Micevski (Perth SC), David Micevski (Perth SC), John Mills (retired), Shane Nunes (retired), Luke Palmateer (Wanneroo City), Michael Roki (coach), Domenic Savoldelli (Perth SC), Adam Stillitano (retired), Nikola Talimdzioski (Inglewood United), Stefano Valentini (Perth SC)

The benchmark by which all others will measure themself this year is BAYSWATER CITY. Chris Coyne made an early statement of intent by guiding the club to the Night Series title, their first major trophy in quarter of a century, and the general feeling that’s only the beginning. The arrival of Steve Burton, Todd Howarth and Trent Kay in combination with the presence of Gustavo Giron-Maralunda, John Kearney and Patrick Quinn is alone reason enough to indicate how serious they are of challenging for all honours. The honest truth is it’s going to take something very special to prevent Bayswater from being crowned State League champions.

In: Hassan Al Yasir (BB United), Steve Burton (South Melbourne, Vic), Dhour Chol (National Training Centre), Chris Coyne (coach), Mitchell Crocker (Stirling Lions), Clint Davies (Wanneroo City), Brian Farrell (Shamrock Rovers), Fraser Greenwood (Shamrock Rovers), Todd Howarth (Perth SC), James Isaia (Perth SC), Danny Kovacevic (Inglewood United), Trent Kay (Perth SC)
Out: Nathan Diaz (Wanneroo City), Tom Dixon (Dianella White Eagles), Cesar Gonzalez (retired), Thomas Gooding (Dianella White Eagles), Cisco Jorquera (Floreat Athena), Mauro Marchione (coach), Milan Mirkovic (Perth SC), Luka Njegich (Perth SC), Calum O'Connell (Sydney United, NSW), Anthony Salpietro (Kingsway Olympic), Stevan Sibincic (Maddington White City), Devon Spence (Inglewood United), Mundy Toure (Perth SC), Steve Turnbull (Eng), Alessandro Vitale (Floreat Athena)

The season could go either way for BUNBURY FORUM FORCE. The team from down south found the going tough last year and some off-season instability in the coaching department combined with a flat pre-season doesn’t bode at all well. On the flip side newcomers Chris Blackburn and Jon Brooks add immensely to a squad that already features Aaron Brittain, Jayden Prosser, Ryan Risdon and player/coach Matt Lock. There are no easy games in this league and Bunbury will need to be at the top of theirs to extend their stay in the top flight beyond the winter.

In: Hayden Barnett (Stirling Lions), Chris Blackburn (AFC Telford United, Eng), Jon Brooks (Floreat Athena), Oliver McGee (Mandurah City), David Murphy (Dynamos), Jamie Tandy (Stirling Lions), Nathan Tosum (Ashfield), Ben Waddington (AFC Blackpool)
Out: Carlo Chilleni, James Cogley (Stirling Lions), Steve Howson (Radcliffe Borough, Eng), Kyle Knott (long-term injury), Liam Reeves, Callum Richardson (Burnley, Eng), Aiden Savroy (Bradford Park Avenue, Eng)

Newly promoted COCKBURN CITY showed that they are back in business through a strong pre-season campaign. Coach Scott Miller has struck the fine balance between blending youth and experience in assembling his squad for the Cockerels return to top flight football. Club veteran Paul Natale, Devon Gibson, Marc Anthony and Paul Lloyd form the backbone of a side which will is sure to ruffle more than a few feathers this year. Concerns have been raised that they’ve peaked perhaps a little too early, however, the fact of the matter is Cockburn possess the depth and quality to push for a top five placing.

In: Jack Adams (Armadale), Alex Castiello (Stirling Lions), Dom De Felice (Perth SC), Jack Eades (Cambridge United, Eng), Alex Kukik (Rockingham City), Lachlan McAlindon (Maddington White City), Antonio Naglieri (Perth SC), David Onoforo (Perth SC), Ivan Skorich (Western Knights), Kieran Stallard (Airdrie United, Sco), John Thornley ECU Joondalup)
Out: Pavle Biserko, Chris Blackledge, Declan Boyham, Jason Godfrey, David Johnstone, Ian McMurrary (Floreat Athena), Ian Ng, Chris Smith, Brendan Teerling, Sam Wheatley

FLOREAT ATHENA were one of the teams of 2012, and there is absolutely no reason why that trend won’t continue across the coming winter. Chris Barbas recruited wisely over the off-season, the coach hand-picking players to fill key roles and depth and value to his squad. Floreat are steadily building momentum and once the likes Ludovic Boi, Mark Pritchard, Cisco Jorquera and Bobby Wilson really start to fire then opposition teams are going to be in some serious trouble. The pain of last year’s Grand Final loss is still raw at Litis Stadium, but the lessons learnt from that experience will inspire Floreat onto greater things in 2013.

In: Blair Govan (Sorrento), Cisco Jorquera (Bayswater City), Ian McMurray (Cockburn City), Chris Rizidis (Perth SC), Michael Rizidis (Perth SC), David Stokoe (ECU Joondalup), Josh Tumoe, Cameron Yorke (Sorrento), Alessandro Vitale (Bayswater City), Ben Wantee
Out: Andrew Ambrogio (Fremantle United), Tommy Bramley (Sorrento), Jon Brooks (Bunbury Forum Force), Michael Craggs (long-term injury), Henrik Dhale (Sco), Michael Ellis (Gosnells City), Jake Geddes, Ibra Hamad, Sandi Loncar, Jonathon McGaham (Wanneroo City), Ryan Pretorius, Mickey Roberts (Eng), Jarrad Smith (Balcatta), Vincent Sweeney (retired), Jonston Walker (Canning City), Mark Zagami (Perth SC)

The timing could not be better for INGLEWOOD UNITED to step up and get their hands on silverware. For his second season at the helm Graham Normanton has tinkered slightly with his playing options, welcoming a few familiar faces to the club along with a smattering of young prospects. Shaun Kilkelly and Craig Simpson anchor an intimidating defensive unit with the of creativity of Ryan Clarke, Alex Caniglia, Andrija Jukic and Robbie Gaspar sure to keep opposing sides on high alert as Inglewood push into the final third of the park. It appears a mere formality that Inglewood will make the finals, how many trophies they finish with is down to them.

In: Aaron Colli (Swan United), Matt Danskin (Perth SC), Robbie Gasper (Persib Bandung, Indo), James Gordon (Balcatta), Andrija Jukic (Bentleigh Greens, Vic.), Shaun Kilkelly (Perth SC), Luke Martino (Perth SC), Greg Sharland (Perth SC), Craig Simpson (Perth SC), Nikola Talimdzioski (Balcatta), Danny Thomson (Heart of Midlothian, Scot)
Out: Jack Clisby (Perth Glory), Jonathon Davite (London Tigers, Eng), Aleks Jovic (Serb), Danny Kovacevic (Bayswater City), Ryan Lowry (Perth Glory Youth), Nathan Rawes, James Sammut (Birzebbuga St. Peters, Malta), Devon Spence (Bayswater City), Alex Sutton

ECU JOONDALUP are likely to find their backs to the wall more often than not in 2013. The northern suburbs side have struggled for consistency last year and, if truth be told, Joondalup’s failure to ignite in pre-season tends to suggest there’s still a lot to be done if they are to become truly competitive. The influence of loyal servants Scott Blackmore and Jon Higgins have key roles in steadily the ship as new signing Monty Grigo and former Perth Glory player Tommy Amphlett seek to open up opposition teams. If Salv Todaro’s squad can stay focused and injury-free for the duration then Joondalup might just nudge their way clear of the drop zone.

In: Todd Hoyle (Sorrento), Andy Higgins (Portsmouth, Eng), Andrew Kiir (Dianella White Eagles), John Monterosso (Swan United), Igor Novakovic, Joe Smith (Boldmere St Michaels, Eng), Jon Stripe (Stirling Lions), Tony Taylor (Joondalup United)
Out: Mike Adamcewicz (USA), Danny Allen, Cameron Burgess (Fulham, Eng), Scott Bushby (Wanneroo City), Dave Calder (Kingsway Olympic), Nick Davies (Ashfield), David Foster, Fraser Maguire (Sco), Billy Quinncroft (Armadale), Steven Sokol (National Training Centre), Gerardo Soto (Canning City), David Stokoe (Floreat Athena), Nick Tatasciore (Swan United), John Thornley (Cockburn City), Jordan Withey (Joondalup City)

The relative success or failure of the NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE can not be judged by match day results. In the five years since the development squad entered the State League no fewer than a dozen players have graduated to professional ranks, and it’s in those players and others like them that the NTC’s strengths lay. For the new season Kenny Lowe has much the same player group at his disposal as last year. Perth Glory quartet Storm Roux, Riley Woodcock, Matthew Davies and Blamo Quaqua are the players to watch along with highly rated goalkeeper Jordan Franken. Win, lose or draw, the NTC is nurturing the future stars of Western Australia football.

In/Promoted: Darcy Cosgrove (Sorrento), Matt Kerridge, Gabriel Kieswtter (Perth SC), Sebit Oyet (Perth SC), Steven Sokol (ECU Joondalup)
Out: Henock Butshiire (Perth SC), Dhour Chol (Bayswater City), Savo Cubrilo, Daniel De Silva (Perth Glory), Jordan Dodd (Wanneroo City), Moses Kalou (Stirling Lions), Daniel Moss (Greenock Morton, Sco), Rocco Pizzata, Connor Price (Rockingham City), Luke Radonich (Melbourne Victory), Brandon Wilson (Burnley, Eng), Friday Zico (Perth SC)

To say it has been a summer of change at PERTH SC would be a massive understatement. In the few months since last season ended Mauro Marchione has waved off almost the entire senior list, players widely considered to be amongst the best in the State League. Nonetheless, ambition still burns bright at Dorrien Gardens and in David Micevski, Daniel Micevski, Adam Luca, Jason Saldaris and import Kris Gate Perth have in place the building blocks for future success. And although 2013 is best viewed as a transitional year for the club, you can be assured Perth will not be far from pole position come seasons’ end.

In: Henock Butshiire (National Training Centre), Yoann Claudot (Fra), Jordan Colasante (Western Knights), Logan Crawford (Hamersley Rovers), Kris Gate (Gateshead United, Eng), Clark Keltie (Darlington 1883, Eng), Adam Luca (Stirling Lions), Mauro Marchione (coach), Daniel Micevski (Balcatta), David Micevski (Balcatta), Milan Mirkovic (Bayswater City), Luka Njegich (Bayswater City), Mundy Toure (Bayswater City), Jason Saldaris (South Melbourne, Vic), Domenic Savoldelli (Balcatta), Stefano Valentini (Balcatta), Mark Zagami (Floreat Athena), Friday Zico (National Training Centre)
Out: Adam Bachiller (Balcatta), Daniel Coletta (Stirling Lions), Matt Danskin (Inglewood United), Dom De Felice (Cockburn City), Alex Dunn (Balcatta), Todd Howarth (Bayswater City), James Isaia (Bayswater City), Trent Kay (Bayswater City), Gabriel Keiswetter (National Training Centre), Shaun Kilkelly (Inglewood United), Emmanuel Mansaray, Luke Martino (Inglewood United), Jordan Miller (Wanneroo City), Antonio Naglieri (Cockburn City), Daniel Neiderberger (Canning City), Andreas Oliveira (retired), David Onoforo (Cockburn City), Sebit Oyet (National Training Centre), Chris Rizidis (Floreat Athena), Michael Rizidis (Floreat Athena), Robert Sciascia (long-term injury), Greg Sharland (Inglewood United), Craig Simpson (Inglewood United), Justin Skowron (Swan United), Connor Thurston (Blackpool, Eng), Milan Vulin (Dianella White Eagles)

State League and Cup trophy holders SORRENTO have set their sights on repeating last years’ double successes. Coach Paul Price hasn’t made too many changes to his squad, although by his own admission there is still scope to add a few quality players to further develop depth and cover for those who have moved on. The core of the side remains as it always has – Curtis Aspden, Steve McDonald, Brodie Martin, Todd Harnwell, etc – and its’ that stability that is Sorrento’s true strength. With that in mind, it would take a very brave man (or woman) to tip the Gulls finishing the regular season anywhere outside the top three.

In: Matt Allen (Western Knights), Tommy Bramley (Floreat Athena), Jesse Fuller (Western Knights), Simon Harland (Eng), Jared Love (Wanneroo City), David Price, Jonas Reinfelder (SC Reichmannsdorf, Ger), Craig Robson (Armadale)
Out: Michael Aspin (Balcatta), Alastair Blair (Wanneroo City), Darcy Cosgrove (National Training Centre), Jack Doyle (Ire), Blair Govan (Floreat Athena), Todd Hoyle (ECU Joondalup), Jason Mirco (long-term injury), Johny Mirco (Western Knights), Stuart Montgomery (Wanneroo City), Jack Ollerhead (Kingsway Olympic), Reece Vittiglia (Oakleigh Cannons, Vic), Cameron Yorke (Floreat Athena)

On paper STIRLING LIONS boast arguably one of the best balanced squads in the league, but can they translate that into on-field success? Doug Hesketh has enough talent at his disposal – Aleks Vrteski, Michael Pugliese, Andy Brown, Irish import Gareth McGlynn and Scott Bulloch form the backbone of the side – to mount a serious challenge for regular season honours. What hindered them last year, and the fear is it may do so again this winter, is a truly woeful record when playing at home. If that can be reversed then Stirling are very much a top five prospect, and from there anything is possible.

In: Phil Arnold (long-term injury), Scott Bulloch (Bentleigh Greens, Vic), James Cogley (Bunbury Forum Force), Daniel Coletta (Perth SC), Dean Evans (Sham Shui Po, HK), Rory Grant (Western Knights), Alex Grayson (Pittsburgh Panthers, USA), Moses Kalou (National Training Centre), Rob Monterosso (Swan United), Aleks Vrteski (Persija Jakarta, Indo), Miki Vujacic (Swan United)
Out: Hayden Barnett (Bunbury Forum Force), Alex Castiello (Cockburn City), Mitchell Crocker (Bayswater City), Jamie De Abreau (Bentleigh Greens, Vic), Drew Jenke (Joondalup City), Adam Luca (Perth SC), Phil O'Callaghan, Jon Stripe (ECU Joondalup), Jamie Tandy (Bunbury Forum Force), Luke Woodward (Western Knights)

footballwa.net Predictions

Division One

The 2013 Division One season swings into action next weekend with several clubs staking an early claim on top honours. Wanneroo City, Ashfield and a revitalised Western Knights are in the mix but 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 Dianella White Eagles, Morley Windmills and Rockingham City are expected to slug it out to avoid relegation. footballwa.net takes a close look at the twelve clubs, assessing the strengths and weakness of each and summarising all the off-season player movements before offering their thoughts on how season 2013 will pan out...

Things are humming along quite nicely for ASHFIELD. Coach Matt Carruthers guided the club into fourth last year and with the nucleus of that squad still on board they should place a few rungs higher this time around. Alex Stamatiadis, Karl O’Reilly and summer signing Jamie Burns have been tasked with opening up opposition teams while the defensive nous of Graham Tough, club stalwart David Gordon and John Perkins provide some very solid foundations. On their day Ashfield are on par with the best the league has to offer and that is why they will be close to the top come seasons’ end.

In: Jamie Burns (Western Knights), Nick Davies (ECU Joondalup), Paul Dundo (coach), Bobby Irving (long-term injury), Tom Kennedy (Gosnells City), Stuart Long (long-term injury), Ian McKean (Morley Windmills), Alex Sutton (Inglewood United), Graham Tough (Gosnells City), Matt Wardle (long-term injury), Matt Weyell (Forrestfield United)
Out: Ibnen Charming (S.Leone), Okwy Diamondstar (long-term injury), Craig Hollingsworth, David Moore, Ashley Picker, Martin Sherwin, Nathan Tosum (Bunbury Forum Force), Peter Treeby

The luxury of having a stable playing roster allows CANNING CITY to continue building towards the future. The nucleus of the side remains much as it was with joint coaches Paul and Micheal Van Dongen tinkering only a little. Captain Steve Grant and Mark Trevisiol underpin the defensive structure, the architects in the middle are Paul Van Dongen, Simon Corriea and Micheal Van Dongen as Josh Findlater and new recruit Daniel Neiderberger go about sticking the ball in the back of the net. Canning may not have the overall depth to be a title contender – yet – but they will do better than most.

In: Tom Gibbons (Eng), Pravishash Guasagaran (Sing), Rory Mouttet (Swan United), Daniel Neiderberger (Perth SC), Gerardo Soto (ECU Joondalup), Jonston Walker (Floreat Athena)
Out: Blake Readwin (Melville City), Joe Ives (Queens Park), Richard Burton (retired), Anthony Campbell, Jakub Chudy (long-term injury), Garth Lecky, Danny Trevisiol (long-term injury), Joshua Wade

2013 isn’t shaping up to be that different to the past few seasons for DIANELLA WHITE EAGLES. The summer wasn’t particularly kind with rival clubs robbing Dianella of some of their best talent while injury will keep playmaker Sotiris Theodosiades out until mid-year, at the earliest. That said, they have recruited well with goalkeeper Tom Dixon and Thomas Gooding showing early promise alongside club favourites Andreas Theodosiades, Dhamon Kalamaras, Simon Barber and Bojan Radinovic. Long story short, Dianella simply do not possess the quality and depth to challenge for top honours, but they do have enough of keep well clear of the drop zone.

In: Tom Dixon (Bayswater City), Rafael Dundu (long-term injury), Dean Dzulevski (long-term injury), Thomas Gooding (Bayswater City), Kross Kamara (Maddington White City), Roby Pholey (Ire), Shane Sinnot (Ire), Saah Tamba (Maddington White City), Milan Vulin (Perth SC)
Out: Mat Battigelli (Swan United), Brendan Craig (Western Knights), Sasa Cvijetic (Morley Windmills), Brandon D'Silva (Morley Windmills), Andrew Kiir (ECU Joondalup), Spiro Nenadic (Swan United), Emmanuel Rovoere, Kris Spaseski, Sotiris Theodosiades (long-term injury), Zoran Vrteski

It’s a radically different GOSNELLS CITY that is led into the new season by Mike Brazil. The senior list was totally remodelled during the off-season with many of the recognisable faces of recent campaigns replaced by a host of players to whom the second tier is no stranger. Recent arrival Jason Godfrey brings with him a wealth of experience and his partnership at the back with Alan Carroll and David Murphy will be vital. Ben Howe provides a lot of forward momentum with Darren Gamble and Sean Taylor leading the search for goals. Gosnells won’t the in the race for silverware, but nor will the contend relegation.

In: Mike Brazil (coach), Sam Cole (Shamrock Rovers), Michael Ellis (Floreat Athena), Wade Farmer (Forrestfield United), Jason Godfrey (Cockburn City), Struan Herd (Mandurah City), Ben Howe, David Keenan (Rockingham City), Simon King (Shamrock Rovers), Cathal Lennon, David Murphy (Shamrock Rovers), Ian O'Donohue (Shamrock Rovers), Darren O'Riordan (Shamrock Rovers), Brian Paterson (Ire), Cathal Quinn (Shamrock Rovers), Damien Smyth (Shamrock Rovers), Sean Taylor (Shamrock Rovers)
Out: Ciaran Allen, Paul Carlin, James Cave, Salvi Chavez, Aaron Coslani, Allan Creer (retired), Adriano D'Alo, Adam Galvin, Mitchell Holyoak, Tom Kennedy (Ashfield), Dane McBride, Tiernan McMullen, Braydon McWaters, Ian Maguire (Armadale), Tony Maguire (coach), Ryan Nickisson, Andy Pomfret, Tony Ton, Graham Tough (Ashfield), Daiten Twyman

A player exodus on a massive scale has seriously dented MANDURAH CITY title hopes. The summer months were unkind to the Dolphins with over half of last season’s side no longer on the scene for a variety of reasons. Coaches Billy Russell and Tom Kilkelly have done well on the recruitment front and newcomers such as Trevor Laure and Matt Hamnett will have big roles to play alongside Craig Young, Matt Stares, Craig Tone and Robbie Hamm. A Night Series quarter-final appearance suggests a strong year, however, a lack of depth will prevent them from challenging for promotion. Nonetheless, Mandurah will place somewhere in the top four.

In: Gueng Agler, Chris Beck, Gerard Burke (Ire), David Clarke (Rockingham City), Simon El Chami (Melville City), Matt Hamnett (Rockingham City), Graham Herd (Melville City), Trevor Laure (Rockingham City), Marc McGlaghlin, Brent Mayhew (Rockingham City), Connor Power, Alex Randell (Eng), Sam Snelling, Tom Straker (long-term injury)
Out: Jason Bonser (Rockingham City), Liam Bounden (Rockingham City), Ian Carmichael, Danny Dyson (long-term injury), Struan Herd (Gosnells City), Sam Keary, Oliver McGee (Bunbury Forum Force), Danny Macklin (Rockingham City), Christian Paschewitz (retired), Phil Straker, Sam Thommason, Ryan Townsend (long-term injury), Chris Wylie (Perth Royals)

All at MORLEY WINDMILLS are confident of a much improved showing in 2013. The club have languished in the lower depths of Division One for the best part of a decade but an active recruitment campaign has brought new hope to the Wotton Reserve faithful. In Daniel Agudelo, David McNally, Thierry Bernard, Scott Campbell, Andy O’Neill and David Houston coach Jason Van Rooy has some very talented players at his disposal. However, scratching the surface reveals a lack of depth and it’s difficult to see Morley being able to achieve the consistency required to be truly competitive. Bottom four.

In: Ryan Adolphus (Forrestfield United), Daniel Agudelo (Swan United), Thierry Bernard (BB United), Rhydeen Botha (coach), Daniel Cagorski (long-term injury), Sasa Cvijetic (Dianella White Eagles), Brandon D'Silva (Dianella White Eagles), David McNally (Swan United), Pascal Plassan (BB United), Blaz Radovanovic, Jason Van Rooy (coach), Joe Woodin (Kingsway Olympic)
Out: Matt Bonsera, Paul Dundo (coach), Kenny Ftynogiannis (retired), Mark Grant, Grant Heard, Ian McKean (Ashfield), Luke O'Neill (long-term injury), David Sinclair (Kingsway Olympic), Tony Vento

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 around, new coach Charlie Smith has put in some long hours assembling a competitive line-up. The return of Jason Bonser has been warmly welcomed with the veteran defender sure to figure prominently along with Rafael Insaurralde, Darren Lawler, Danny Macklin and Oscar Thompson in a very young squad. But a poor pre-season in which their defensive frailties were exposed tends to indicate Rockingham will finish at the wrong end of the table.

In: Jason Bonser (Mandurah City), Sean Brady (Golden Hill, Eng), Liam Bounden (Mandurah City), Reece Frank (Forrest Hill, NZ), Danny Macklin (Mandurah City), Jake Murray (Kwinana United), Connor Price (National Training Centre), Charlie Smith (coach), Danny Snelling (Port Kennedy)
Out: Llewelyn Bake (Armadale), Wes Britz, David Clarke (Mandurah City), David Dawson, Matt Hamnett (Mandurah City), David Keenan (Gosnells City), Papa Kpatar, Alex Kukic (Cockburn City), Trevor Laure (Mandurah City), Darren Lawler, Lance Louvie (Armadale), Brent Mayhew (Mandurah City), Craig Olenjik, Steve Robinson (coach), Gershom Rowlands, Sean Troup (Balcatta), Innocent Zico (Maddington White City)

Rivals clubs would be wise not to read too much in SHAMROCK ROVERS’ flat pre-season. There have been significant changes made to the squad by new coach John O’Reilly, who has balanced a lengthy list of outs with some quality signings. Strike partners Ciaran Byrne and Dan Corbett will benefit enormously from Will Pender’s supply, while Irish imports Jeff Flood and Shane Cassidy anchor a very intimidating defensive unit. Shamrock are firmly entrenched as one of the competition’s top sides and if they can hit their straps early then they might just sneak into top spot.

In: Aodhan Campbell (Western Miners, Qld), Shane Cassidy (Wicklow Rovers, Ire), Paul Concannon (Leixlip United, Ire), Dan Corbett (Western Miners, Qld), Jeff Flood (Longford Town, Ire), Mike Ford (coach), Sean Gibson (Hamersley Rovers), Rory Hood (Port Darwin, NT), Charlie Kenna (Shamrock Rovers, Ire), Alan Kinsella (Cobh Wanderers, Ire), John McElwee, John O'Reilly (coach), Justin Scarvaci (BB United), Josh Shepheard (Shamrock Rovers, Ire), Jacob Stanley (Kingsway United), Carl Wood (Western Miners, Qld)
Out: Stephen Barret, Sam Cole (Gosnells City), Brian Farrell (Bayswater City), Brian Foley (Fremantle United), Steve Forde (Melville City), Jacob Gordon, Fraser Greenwood (Bayswater City), Simon King (Gosnells City), David Murphy (Gosnells City), Ian O'Donohue (Gosnells City), Alan O'Mahoney, Darren O'Riordan (Gosnells City), Cathal Quinn (Gosnells City), Ablam Sego (Maddington White City), Philip Shiel, Damien Smyth (Gosnells City), Sean Taylor (Gosnells City), Barry Triggs (Ire)

It’s out with the old and in with the new as SWAN UNITED embarks on a brave new voyage with Mick Skowron at the helm. The new coach has wasted no time making his mark with the vast majority of the senior list being moved on, their places taken by and large by fresh-faced teenagers to whom the demands of first team football are a complete stranger. During this period of transition the experience of Geneveo Human, Nick Tatasciore, David Paone and Christian Lopez will be absolutely vital. If they can keep their heads above water then the foundations for future success will have been laid.

In: Mat Battigelli (Dianella White Eagles), Matt Beyer, Callum Burton (Kalamunda United), Kevin Carmona (International Calcio), Christian Catalano, Niall Hughes, Geneveo Human (Balcatta), Blaire Kaputin (Forrestfield United), David Paone, Christian Lopez (long-term injury), Spiro Nenadic (Dianella White Eagles), Curtis Owen (long-term injury), Adam Skowron (Peninsula College, USA), Justin Skowron (Perth SC), Nick Tatasciore (ECU Joondalup), Simon Williams
Out: Daniel Agudelo (Morley Windmills), Dom Ando (retired), Chris Atkinson (Eng), Aaron Colli (Inglewood United), Matthew Debarro (retired), Ben Hasler (retired), Rory Hollingham, Brendan Knox, David McNally (Morley Windmills), John Monterosso (ECU Joondalup), Rob Monterosso (Stirling Lions), Rory Mouttet (Canning City), Chihiro Noda (Jap), Tommy Shepheard (retired), Michael Tronchin, Miki Vujacic (Stirling Lions), Lucas Whitehouse

Newly promoted UWA-NEDLANDS are very much the dark horse of the field. The club from the western suburbs stormed their way to the Division Two championship last year, amassing a staggering 88 goals and losing just once over 24 regular season games, and for the new campaign they have much the same set of players of board. James Plowman and Rory Feely are sure to score a bagful of goals, captain Steve Purton and Roberto Lujan provide inspiration through midfield with Tom Sellers and newcomer Lee McKay at the heart of an impressive defensive line. A place somewhere around mid-table is where UWA should expect to finish.

In: Andy Dickinson (coach), Anthony Heys (Eng), Lee McKay (Melville City), Jack Ryecroft (Subiaco AFC), Dan Wolfe, Chris Yates (Western Knights)
Out: Mike Brand (Kingsway Olympic), Kevin Burton (coach), Gavin Doran, Jonas Dorling, Michael Denny, Kyle King (Perth SC), Stuart Preston, Banner Schafer (Balcatta), Brad Skea (Fra), Rob Spence (Eng)

There’s good reason why WANNEROO CITY are once again amongst the favourites for Division One glory. The northern suburbs outfit kept pace with the leaders for much of David Tough’s first year in charge and, after recruiting strongly during the summer, they appear primed for another title race. Captain Anthony Jones resumes his role in the middle of defence alongside Ross Edwards, while across the middle of the park Guy McDonald and Glen Thomas are sure to provide plenty of ammunition for Garin Collins and veteran Stuart Montgomery. With quality and depth in abundance, Wanneroo are a definite top two proposition.

In: Alastair Blair (Sorrento), Dom-Brearo Elliott (Bedlington Terriers, Eng), Scott Bushby (ECU Joondalup), Nathan Diaz (Bayswater City), Jordan Dodd (National Training Centre), Anthony Jones (long-term injury), Jonathon McGaham (Floreat Athena), Jordan Miller (Perth SC), Kevin Miller (Western Knights), Stuart Montgomery (Sorrento), Luke Palmateer (Balcatta), Glen Thomas (Kingsway Olympic)
Out: Jake Benson-Cooper (Quinns), Brian Cairney (Quinns), Clint Davies, Matt Emery (retired), Kevin Heuvelink (Hol), Sahar Konomanyi, Jared Love (Sorrento)

WESTERN KNIGHTS are back in Division One for the first time in three and a half decades. Former Socceroo Robbie Dunn has assembled a squad with strengths across the full length and breadth of the park, but a lack of depth is going to hinder their progress. Once back to full fitness it’s be up to David Annall and Ivan Zuvela to prevent goals as Ryan Shackleton, Craig Riley and Dean Thurston push in other direction with Brendan Craig tasked with scoring goals. If everything goes their way the Knights are a top five outfit, although in reality they’re more likely to finish a few notches lower.

In: Ben Coulter, Brendan Craig (Dianella White Eagles), Ashley Crosthwaite (Ire), Johny Mirco (Sorrento), Craig Riley (Eng), Stuart Siddell, Dean Thurston, Luke Woodward (Stirling Lions), Olek Yevstihneyev
Out: Matt Allen (Sorrento), Farren Bachillor, Jamie Burns (Ashfield), Nathan Cipriano, Jordan Colasante (Perth SC), Jesse Fuller (Sorrento), Jamie Grego, Rory Grant (Stirling Lions), Ante Jukic (long-term injury), Kevin Miller (Wanneroo City), Nils Mondre (Ger), Hilario Nunes, Ivan Skorich (Cockburn City), Jackson Turner (Balcatta), Brian White (Eng), Chris Yates (UWA-Nedlands)

footballwa.net Predictions

Division Two

There’ll be plenty of thrills and spills in the eight-team Division Two. Fremantle United have been installed as red-hot favourites to win promotion but should they falter then Melville City and Maddington White City are ready to pounce. footballwa.net takes a close look at each of the teams, assessing the strengths and weakness of each and summarising all the off-season player movements before offering their thoughts on how season 2013 will pan out...

FORRESTFIELD UNITED are prime candidates for stumping up Division Two in 2013. The eastern corridor outfit scraped together just a single win last year and with some significant change within the squad it’s hard to see their fortunes changing. With the focus again on youth development, new coach Richard Changadzo will look to goalkeeper Matthew Zappacosta, Shannon Beniston, Peter Cartwright and Rob Chipchase for on-field guidance and hope the enthusiasm of James Harold and Ben Fraser can get them over the line. A very young Forrestfield side are going to have to find something special to steer clear of last place.

In: Not provided
Out: Ryan Adolphus (Morley Windmills), Stephen Bacich, Matt Duncan, Wade Farmer (Gosnells City), Jordan Hart, Jay Joseph, Blaire Kaputin (Swan United), Craig Kelon, James Monks, Ben Parry, Adam Potts, Matt Weyell (Ashfield), Luke Woodfin

In all likelihood FREMANTLE UNITED will go a few steps further than last year and be crowned champions of Division Two. Their greatest strength is undoubtedly in the final third where Andrew Morrow is joined by exciting newcomer Joe Middleton, both of whom will benefit enormously from the supply provided by teenager Angus Vos and Darren Monaghan. Young centre back Robert Mariano will figure prominently this year alongside Angelo Canzurlo and the safe hands of Carlos Bervenotti. Fremantle enter the new season in a very strong position, one which should see them sitting on top of the pile come September.

In: Andrew Ambrogio (Floreat Athena), David Caputi (long-term injury), Luke Doyle, Brian Foley (Shamrock Rovers), Sam Haigh (Whitford City), Joe Middleton, Marc Sim, Josh Sithole (long-term injury), Ben West
Out: I.McInnes, Will Pender, Levi Reichelt, Taran Richmond, Peter Wile (Maddington White City)

There is little to indication that 2013 holds much in the way of change for JOONDALUP CITY. With much the same list as last year, there are strengths to be had in Joondalup’s first eleven with Lucais King once ahead spearheading the attack and equally important roles falling to Jody Thompson, Danny Beattie, Mark Thornton and new goalkeeper Drew Jenke. But scratching the surface does reveal some issues with experience and depth and in those that Joondalup’s season will ultimately be decided. That said, the northern suburbs club aren’t looking to compete for top honours – not yet anyway.

In: Luke Armstrong (Kingsway Olympic), Matthew Blaker, Drew Jenke (Stirling Lions), Gary Kalaher (coach), Adam Miller, Elliott Oliver (Joondalup United), Elliott Rose (Kingsway Olympic), Jordan Withey (ECU Joondalup)
Out: Seb Bernold, Mike Hartley (coach), Matt Hill, Stephen Lane, Bryan Neal, Adam Proctor, Tom Scott (Kingsway Olympic), Steve Slaughter (Eng), Jack Trainor

It’s going to be an interesting year for KINGSWAY OLYMPIC, a club whose State League glory days are now but a distant memory. New coach Ian Cowan would like to change that and for the new season has assembled a competitive line-up in which captain David Ashworth, Aaron Platten, Joe Armitage and striker Josh Rolls are joined by a host of new arrivals, amongst them Alistair Blair and Kevin White. However, the green machine developed a nasty habit last year of leaking goals, while their home record is probably best left unmentioned. Kingsway could be a top three side, but a bottom three finish is just as likely.

In: Alistair Blair, Mike Brand (UWA-Nedlands), Dave Calder (ECU Joondalup), Ian Cowan (coach), Craig Cunningham (Sco), Cisse Diaw, John Ferguson (Sco), Daniel Gulliver (North Perth United), David Houpapa (Kingsway Olympic Am), Abel Mwpande (Gwelup Croatia), Jack Ollerhead (Sorrento), Steven Otigbah (Subiaco AFC), Anthony Petrisor (Gwelup Croatia), Anthony Salpietro (Bayswater City), Tom Scott (Joondalup City), David Sinclair (Morley Windmills), Kevin White (Sco)
Out: Alisdair Annall (retired), Luke Armstrong (Joondalup City), Stuart Banks (coach), Andy Bowyer (Armadale), Harry Clifford, Wayne Culverwell, Lewis Flatt, Farrell Hedges, Jesse Higgins (Kingsley), Gary Kent, Ross Laing, Sean Little (Kingsley), Nick Lowe, Yatin Pawar, Elliott Rose (Joondalup City), Lee Shepherd (Kingsley), Glen Thomas (Wanneroo City), Lee Thomas, Ben Towers, Joe Woodin (Morley Windmills)

The new season will season the debut of MADDINGTON WHITE CITY, the end result of an off-season merger between Fremantle Spirit and Maddington Eagles. Along with the new name has come an overhaul of the playing list, a move which has paid early dividends in the form of some promising pre-season results. Danny Clapham is joined the final third by newcomer Lee Hayward with the midfield supply orchestrated by club stalwart Ty Fenwick and English import Scott Ryan, while the task of nullifying opposition teams falls to Michael Coyle and Stephen Fox. Top three.

In: Yassar A'Amakuale (Melville City), Omar Abfahr (Southern Spirit), Paul Beech, Michael Everett (Melville City), Sav Ferraro (Melville City), Stephen Fox (Armadale), Hafizul Hayazi (Melville City), Lee Hayward (Armadale), Trevor Jones (Brisbane Scottish, Qld), J.Leerioux (Fra), Liam McLaughlin (Eng), Chris O'Donnell (Eng), Paulo Pacitti (Perth Ahly), Oliver Parsons (Eng), Scott Ryan (Harrogate Railway Athletic, Eng), Ablam Sego (Shamrock Rovers), Stevan Sibincic (Bayswater City), Matt Ullbricht (Meilville City), Peter Wile (Fremantle United), Mark Wood (coach), Innocent Zico (Rockingham City)
Out: A.Alvarez, Josh Auguste, J.Banjura, Tate Comley (Gosnells City), David Cyrus, Lam Gai (Jaguar FC), Diego Garcia, David Gee, Jake Goss, S.Hett, Kross Kamara (Dianella White Eagles), Joe Kendall, Nagi Kodi, Lachlan McAlindon (Cockburn City), C.Moore, Daniel Morgan (Forrestfield United), Jett Shaw (Inglewood United), Saah Tamba (Dianella White Eagles), Tsinast Tamerat (Jaguar FC), Eddie Walsh, Elliott Williams (Eng), James Wour

There is little doubt MELVILLE CITY will be very close to the top of the table come seasons end. By retaining the bulk of last seasons’ players and bringing in a few choice recruits Danny Evans has once again delivered a squad capable of challenging for honours. Elliot Duncan and Danny Brown complement each other nicely in the defensive zone while going in the other direction it’s Sasa Slavujevic, Matt Donlevy, Aaron Bahadori and David Palin that stand out. Melville learnt a lot about the State League last year and with a little more application, especially at home, they might just figure in the promotion race.

In: Aaron Bahadori (Southern Spirit), Michael Bergham (Eng), Danny Brown (Eng), Matt Donlevy (Vic), Elliott Duncan (Weston Creek, ACT), Steve Forde (Shamrock Rovers), John Humphreys (Spearwood Dalmatinac), Jack Mawdsley (Eng), David Palin (Spearwood Dalmatinac), Blake Readwin (Canning City), Craig Robertson (Spearwood Dalmatinac), Charles Scott (Spearwood Dalmatinac), Liam Whacott, Richard Wilson (Spearwood Dalmatinac)
Out: Yassar A'Amakuale (Maddington White City), Gavin Brown (retired), Kudzi Chigwanda (South Perth), Stewart Dalgarno (Sco), Simon El Chami (Mandurah City), Michael Everett (Maddington White City), Sav Ferraro (Maddington White City), Tim Gagar (retired), Hafizul Hayazi (Maddington White City), Graham Herd (Mandurah City), Ryan Jones (Eng), Clayton Kendall, Mark Kendall (retired), Lee McKay (UWA-Nedlands), Gary McVicker (N.Ire), Keith Nolan, Josh Robelo, Steven Stewart (South Perth), Matt Ullbricht (Maddington White City), Vitor Valdinei (Bra)

QUINNS enter the season a much stronger proposition that this time last year, but that’s not to say they’re about to skyrocket up the standings. The team from the far north made some positive additions over the summer – Brian Cairney and Jake Benson-Cooper in particular – but by and large coach John Evans has much the same group of players at his disposal. Arran Maplestone, Rudi Coetzer, George Mills and goalkeeper Anthony Cochrane each have crucial roles to play but overall Quinns do still lack depth. That said, if everyone is willing run themselves into the ground and grind out results then they should be able to stay clear of last spot.

In: Not provided
Out: Adam Bowers, Adam Buckley, Jess Compton, Kurt Evans, Gareth Hamilton, Liam Hills, Louis Hughes, Richard Jones, Brad Kershaw, Michael Mellon, Jack Nash, Mitchell Sacco, Stuart Whitlock, Justin Willbanks

It is unlikely SUBIACO AFC will be able to repeat the successes of last season. The club parted company with several important players over the summer and it’s those losses which will make them less of a threat in 2013. Even so, rookie coach Darren Yates has assembled a quality squad which has Frank Galvin, Ger Fitzgerald, Simon Ralphs, Joe Kresling and Scott Wrightson at its axis, and furnished by a select number of recruits and the promotion of youth from within the club. Subiaco won’t struggle, but nor will they soar.

In: Leo Barry (Ire), Jon Bowman, Pat Cummins (Ire), Sam Jefferies, Robert Knoefel (Ger), Darren Yates (coach)
Out: Richard Astley, Simon Clarke, Ian Cowan (coach), Callum Howe, Harry Johnson, Danny Malcolm, Steven Otigbah (Kingsway Olympic), Tom Proctor, Jordan Rhodes, Jack Ryecroft (UWA-Nedlands), Marcus Urban (retired), Ryan Warburton (Eng)

footballwa.net Predictions

Sunday League Premier Division

Final Table Prediction

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

Sunday League First Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Curtin University
 2 Belmont Villa
 3 North Beach 
 4 Kwinana United
 5 Port Kennedy
 6 North Lake
 7 Floreat Athena Amateurs
 8 Stirling Panthers
 9 International Calcio
10 Kalamunda United
11 Queens Park
12 Centenary FC

Sunday League Second Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Armadale Amateurs
 2 Canning City Amateurs
 3 Wembley Downs
 4 Balga
 5 ALFC
 6 Ballajura
 7 Maccabi
 8 Kelmscott Roos
 9 UWA Nedlands FC Amateurs
10 Golden Lily
11 Kingsway Olympic Amateurs
12 Maddington White City Amateurs

Sunday League Third Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Gosnells City Amateurs
 2 Bassendean Caledonian
 3 Carramar FC 
 4 Leeming Strikers 
 5 La Fiamma
 6 Joondalup United "B"
 7 Rockingham City Amateurs
 8 Lynwood United
 9 Jaguar FC
10 Quinns FC Amateurs
11 Warnbro Strikers
12 Subiaco AFC Amateurs

Sunday League Fourth Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Shamrock Rovers Amateurs
 2 Caversham
 3 Perth Hills United
 4 Ahly Perth FC
 5 Cracovia White Eagles
 6 Fraser Park
 7 Stirling Lions Amateurs
 8 Perth Royals "B"
 9 Melville City Amateurs
10 UWA Nedlands FC Amateurs "B"
11 Swan United Amateurs
12 South Perth United "B"

Sunday League Fifth Division

Final Table Prediction

 1 Bayswater City Amateurs
 2 Brooklands FC
 3 Sporting Warriors
 4 Ellenbrook United
 5 Sutherlands Park
 6 Forrestfield United Amateurs
 7 Morley City
 8 Hamersley Rovers "B"
 9 Westnam United
10 Subiaco AFC Amateurs "B"
11 Curtin University "B"

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This page was last updated on the 5th April, 2013