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NPL Discussion Thread 2025


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  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

From Wollongong Wolve's facebook page:

WOLLONGONG WOLVES ANNOUNCE DAVID CARNEY HAS DEPARTED FROM THE CLUB: 

image.png.06694a491feab4e0c6a3e8aac8f2e673.png

The Wollongong Wolves would like to announce that Head Coach David Carney has decided to step down from his role for the upcoming season as he heads overseas to complete his coaching qualifications and explores new coaching opportunities. The Wollongong Wolves extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dave for his unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment over the past two seasons. His contributions have been invaluable, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.

The club is now actively seeking a new Head Coach and will be finalizing the senior coaching staff shortly. Our priority is to find the right leadership to continue the development and success of our squad.

Chairman Tory Lavalle expressed his sentiments, stating, "David Carney has been a tremendous asset to the Wollongong Wolves, and his impact on the team has been profound. We thank him sincerely for his hard work and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours. As he heads overseas to advance his coaching qualifications and explore new opportunities, we are committed to finding the right leader to build on the strong foundation Dave has laid and to drive the team forward."

David commented on his departure: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Wollongong Wolves Football Club for their support over the past two years. I am especially grateful to Tory Lavalle for his unwavering backing and support. My sincere appreciation also goes to the players for their dedication and effort—they have been a pleasure to work with. Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the fans for their tremendous support from the side-lines. I wish the club all the very best for the future.”

Posted

From Sydney United's facebook page:

HVALA KALAC / THANKS KALAC:
image.png.3234e07a21375085981d12f73082263f.png

Sydney United 58 FC can confirm that Zeljko Kalac has departed the club.

We extend our sincere thanks to Spider for his dedication and work this season, guiding a new look team through to an our highest league position in two seasons, and a semi finals berth.

The memorable victory and elimination of last seasons champions, APIA Leichhardt, will be remembered by our supporters for years to come 💪


Wishing Spider nothing but the best for the future!

Take it with a grain of salt but there's rumours Marko Rudan could take his spot.



 

Posted

Anyone have any feedback on the pre-academy programs - my boy just turned 10 - been asked to join. 

Posted
On 23/09/2024 at 3:52 PM, Stokz said:

Anyone have any feedback on the pre-academy programs - my boy just turned 10 - been asked to join. 

Nah but if it's free then go for it !!

Posted

https://mens.nplnsw.com.au/2024/09/23/mirko-jurilj-steps-down-as-st-george-city-coach/

Mirko Jurilj steps down as St George City coach
965 x 634

National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW side St George City have announced that after six seasons, Mirko Jurilj has stepped down from his Head Coaching role with Manny Spanoudakis announced as the new man in charge for the 2025 season.

Jurilj guided the club through the COVID period and elevated the status of the club with two top five finishes since promotion to the NPL Men’s NSW competition.

A long time coach at the club where he has taken numerous roles, Jurilj’s foray into the senior space coaching established him as one of the best coaches in the competition.

In 2020, the team was 10 points clear after 16 rounds and certain of promotion into NPL before COVID struck. The team had to do it all again in 2022 where Jurilj guided the club to promotion by finishing equal first with Central Coast Mariners then winning the Grand Final.

After another rebuild, the team played some scintillating football to finish fifth in the club’s first year in the NPL NSW Men’s competition which was replicated in 2024.

A top footballer in his day having played at the highest levels in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore, Jurilj was able to implement an attractive, pro-active playing style in line with the clubs vision and ambition.

Jurilj will stay on board at St George City in a technical role particularly in the youth space and hand the reigns to the Clubs inaugural coach – Manny Spanoudakis.

It will be a father and son combination as Manny will join his son James who is the first grade assistant coach for the new year ahead.

“Miki has been fantastic for the club and achieved success every season he was in charge,” said St George City’s Head of Football Aytek Genc.

“He has a great football mind, tactical flexibility and showed presence and authority.

“He will continue to be an important part of our clubs future.”

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Warren Grieve announced as Wollongong Wolves’ new Head Coach
965 x 634

National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW side Wollongong Wolves have announced the appointment of Warren Grieve as their head coach for the next two seasons.

Grieve brings a wealth of experience, having spent the last six years as Technical Director for Football NSW.

Prior to this, he served as Technical Director for Capital Football and held key coach development roles with Football West.

He also enjoyed a successful tenure as Technical Director at Manly United, where he coached their senior NPL team to a Grand Final victory in 2017.

Holding an FFA AFC Professional Diploma, Warren is accredited to deliver A, B, and C Coaching Diploma, further demonstrating his expertise and commitment to the development of Australian football.

In addition to his role as Head Coach, Warren will play a technical role in supporting the Wolves’ JDL and Youth programs, where his extensive experience in youth development will be invaluable. He will also lead school holiday high-performance camps, helping to nurture the next generation of talent.

Wolves Chairman Tory Lavalle expressed his excitement, saying, “We are ecstatic to have appointed someone of Warren’s calibre as our new head coach. Warren is the perfect fit for the club – he is hungry to coach, has vast experience and knowledge of the game, and a deep passion for developing young players. These qualities align perfectly with the direction and vision of the club.”

Warren Grieve shared his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I’m honoured to be joining Wollongong Wolves and excited about the journey ahead. The club has a rich history and strong ambitions, and I look forward to working with the players and staff to build a team that can compete at the highest level. I’m particularly passionate about youth development, and I’m eager to also support the club’s junior programs and help develop the next wave of talent.”

The Wolves look forward to announcing further additions to the coaching staff and player signings in the near future as we prepare for the upcoming season.

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

Queensland NPL having a normal one...

Football Qld announced that they were taking over Brisbane Roar's academy and NPL teams. Gold Coast Knights released a statement raising concerns about the competition administrator entering teams in the competitions they run. Football Qld didn't like that and sent Knights a show cause notice due to "detrimental public comment". Now Lions FC, Wynnum Wolves, and Peninsula Power have released their own statements in support of Knights and critical of Football Qld.

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
On 03/11/2024 at 10:44 AM, Davo said:

Old manger: Noone

Current manager: No one

I know I've been negative but I really can't resist saying 

 

Both are better than what we have 

 

 

 

Sorry 

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

https://mens.nplnsw.com.au/2024/12/02/blacktown-city-hyped-for-a-huge-2025-season/

Blacktown City FC will look towards bringing back the glory days once more following the announcement of their 2025 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW player roster.

Regarded as one of the best coaches ever to grace the NPL Men’s NSW competition, coach Mark Crittenden has secured six new names for the new season as well as rewarded three Under 20’s players with first grade contracts.

Former Edgeworth Eagle Keanu Moore, ex-Bonnyrigg White Eagles player Maksim Jez, former Preston Lions ace Jakob Cresnar, ex-Western Sydney Wanderer Dimo Dimo, Jarred McKinley from the NWS Spirit FC and former Newcastle Jets young gun Zac Bowling will all be donning the Blacktown City kit in 2025.

Sebastian Hayward, Charles Saul and Daniel McHugh have all been promoted from the club’s Under 20s while City household names Travis Major, Grant Lynch, Lachlan Campbell, the O’Brien brothers Jak and Ben, the Berry brothers Adam and Ben, Mitch Mallia and Danny Choi are just some of the players who have once again agreed to terms with the club.

The club said its farewell to a number of stars with Joey Gibbs, Mario Shabow, Tristan Prendergast, Tyren Burnie as well as Julian Rodriguez and Jayden Trenkoski all set to wear different jerseys next year.

After finishing fourth and bowing out in the semi-finals this year, one things for sure, Crittenden and his troops will be as hungry as ever in recapturing success again as well as making Landen Stadium into a fortress once more.

Blacktown City FC 2025 squad:  
Cayden Henderson, Jarred McKinley, Lachlan Campbell, Grant Lynch, Adam Berry, Travis Major, Jak O’Brien, Keanu Moore, Maksim Jez, Danny Choi, Mitch Mallia, Abbas Karnib, Ben Berry, Martin Fernandez, Nicholas O’Brien, Jacob Maniti, Jackson Bandiera, Jakob Cresnar, Sebastian Hayward, Charles Saul, Daniel McHugh, Dimo Dimo, Zac Bowling.

Not a big loss but the Wanderers NPL squad lose Dimo Dimo. 

 

Posted

https://mens.nplnsw.com.au/2024/12/10/new-era-dawns-as-mt-druitt-town-rangers-prepare-for-top-flight-football/

Newly promoted National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW side Mt Druitt Town Rangers have been busily securing its player roster for the 2025 season – securing some quality players in the hope of giving the competition a shake next year.

Coach Andrew Montgomery is hoping to make Popondetta Park a fortress as the Rangers look set to consolidate its spot playing top tier Men’s NPL football.

Assisting this cause has seen the club secure some handy signings with the likes of Caleb Jackson-Brown (from Hills United), Thomas Lopez (ex-Wanderers Academy player) Pedrinho, Yinka Sunmola (from Rockdale Illinden, Alex Trajanoski, Zac Sfiligoi (both from Manly United), Rocco Fragale (from SD Raiders) and ex-Blacktown City striker Joey Gibbs to name a few pen deals with the club.

The club has re-signed Dylan Niski, Theph Theph, Bailey Jacobs, Cooper Coskerie, Garang Awac and Stefan Giglio as some of the household names that will once again call Mt Druitt home.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers 2025 squad: Dylan Niski, Alex Trajanoski, Zac Sfiligoi, Theph Theph, Shayden Sampow, Caleb Jackson-Brown, Bailey Jacobs, Thomas Lopez, Cooper Coskerie, Jared Macerola, Garang Awac, John Azar, Stefan Giglio, Nic Morales, Lachlan Vasiliou, Pedrinho, Yinka Sunmola, Joey Gibbs, Rocco Fragale, Jude Rankin, Will Rankin

Posted

https://mens.nplnsw.com.au/2024/12/11/stallions-keen-on-defending-their-championship-title/

Expectations are at an all-time high at the ‘Palace’ as the Marconi Stallions prepare its assault on defending its Championship winning title with the club announcing a couple of fresh new faces that are set to rock the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition in 2025.

Coach Peter Tsekenis, fresh from taking out the 2024 ‘Coach of the Year’, has assembled a quality squad ahead of what will be a massive year for the club who will not only compete in the NPL Men’s NSW competition kicking off in February but will also take part in the newly formed National Second Tier (NST) in October next year.

Former Blacktown City young gun Tyren Burnie, ex-Wollongong Wolves striker Jake Trew, Afghani international Jawad Rezai (previously playing for Preston Lions) and former Rockdale Ilinden ace Lachie Griffiths will all call Marconi home and will link up with a host of notable stars that finished the 2024 season on a high clinching the Championship after securing second spot on the NPL Men’s NSW ladder.

Long serving skipper Marko Jesic along with Domenic Costanzo, Brandon Vella, James Hilton, Kyle Cimenti, Milislav Popovic, George Daniel, Liam Youlley, James Bayliss, Franco Maya, Cameron Windust and Anton Mlinaric have all re-signed for the upcoming season.

Marconi Stallions 2025 squad: James Hilton, James Bayliss, Kyle Cimenti, Marko Jesic, Milislav Popovic, George Daniel, Liam Youlley, Franco Maya, Patrick Williams, Jake Trew, Cameron Windust, Matej Busek, Julian Monge, Tyren Burnie, Anton Mlinaric, Lachlan Griffiths, Brandon Vella, Domenic Costanzo, Luke Raso, Jonathan Soares, Aleksandar Gvozdenovic, Jawad Rezai.

Definitely keep an eye out on Tyren Burnie. He's a right back that could play left back if needed. Only 22 and has the potential to play in the A-League in my opinion. He has obviously joined Marconi Stallions in the hopes he'll make a name in the second tier competition. 

 

Posted

could never happen in the A-League:cheeky:

Posted

https://mens.nplnsw.com.au/2024/12/12/sydney-united-58-aiming-for-silverware-in-2025/

Sydney United 58’s era under new coach and former club legend Ante Juric has begun as the club has announced the majority of its roster for the 2025 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW season.

After bowing out in the finals this year, the club is hoping to once again fill that trophy cabinet with some silverware and with some key new recruits now calling Edensor Park home, the former NSL giants will be up for a massive year ahead and will be amongst the teams in the league to watch out for.

The club has lured the likes of new faces such as former Blacktown City keeper Tristan Prendergast, ex-Sydney Olympic defender Michael Glassock, former Blacktown City midfield maestro Mario Shabow, ex-Hills United ace Thomas Makko and former NWS Spirit FC star Richie Darko to name a few, with United 58 set to offer six scholarships to some of its talented youth stars.

The Reds managed to re-sign a number of its 2024 players which included club captain Adrian Vlastelica as well as Bailey Rule, Liam McGing, Carlos De Oliveira, Anthony Tomelic, Tariq Maia, Aidan Milicevic, Matthew Hatch, Mason Wells, Patrick Antelmi, Leroy Jennings and Alessandro Lacalandra to name a few.

Sydney United 58 2025 squad: Tristan Prendergast, Josip Orlovic, Adrian Vlastelica, Bailey Rule, Liam McGing, Jordan Ivancic, Cristian Gonzalez, Michael Glassock, Carlos De Oliveira, Anthony Tomelic, Tariq Maia, Aidan Milicevic, Matthew Hatch, Stephan De Robillard, Mason Wells, Mario Shabow, Thomas Makko, Patrick Antelmi, Leroy Jennings, Alessandro Lacalandra, Richie Darko

Obviously Shabow and Predergast joined them in the hopes to make a name in the NST when it commences in October.
 

Posted
2 hours ago, Paul01 said:

Not in our patch but

Arrests at Dandenong Thunder apparently 

This is huge: https://neoskosmos.com/en/2024/12/12/sport/football/match-fixing-drug-charges-and-raids-the-dark-cloud-over-dandenong-thunder/

Match-fixing, drug charges, and raids: The dark cloud over Dandenong Thunder

Award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie, reporting for The Age, has uncovered a series of alleged nefarious activities involving the National Premier League (NPL) semi-professional football club, Dandenong Thunder.

Founded by Albanian migrants in the 1970s, the Thunder’s club membership is predominantly composed of Albanian Australians with roots in Kišava, a village in south-western North Macedonia.

According to McKenzie’s report, “anti-gang and sports corruption detectives are investigating suspected match-fixing” linked to the club. On Wednesday morning, authorities from Victoria Police’s Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit and Viper Taskforce raided the Dandenong Thunder’s headquarters, nearby homes, and properties associated with club supporters and a senior official, seeking evidence of rigged matches designed to deliver betting windfalls.

During the raids, police reportedly laid several drugs charges relating to possessing narcotics and cultivating cannabis. McKenzie revealed that one of the two men arrested on drug-related charges is a senior club official who, in 2023, appeared alongside ALP state politicians to announce a $700,000 taxpayer-funded grant for upgrades to the Thunder’s home ground.

The Thunder is one of two Victorian National Premier League clubs that The Age claims has “deep links to suspected organised crime figures.” Separately, in New South Wales, detectives have charged three A-League players with sporting corruption offences related to a suspected organised crime figure based in South America.

McKenzie’s report notes he received a “tip-off” from two confidential sources closely associated with the Thunder, who requested anonymity due to their ties within the Albanian community. Police confirmed that their investigation, which led to the execution of search warrants in Dandenong, is ongoing.

In a statement to the Star Journal on 12 December, the club expressed concern about the allegations, stating:

“Dandenong Thunder is deeply concerned by allegations connected to our club. The club will not make any further statement whilst an investigation is ongoing and appreciate your understanding regarding this matter.”

Charges Laid:

  • 29-year-old Dandenong man was charged with cultivating a narcotic plant, possession of a drug of dependence, and failing to comply with an order to provide data from a storage device.
  • 33-year-old Dandenong man was charged with drug possession.
  • 44-year-old Dandenong man was arrested and released pending further inquiries.

The two men charged were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Broader Implications:

The Dandenong Thunder competes in Victoria’s National Premier League, the state’s most senior football competition. McKenzie’s report highlights the “potential vulnerability of the lower levels of Australian football to corruption,” as lower pay for players and officials can make them susceptible to illicit approaches from corrupt punters.

However, The Age makes it clear that “there is no suggestion that any of the Thunder’s players or coaches are implicated in any wrongdoing.” Investigators believe those raided are suspected of either attempting to manipulate betting outcomes or using insider information for betting purposes.

Community and political connections:

The Thunder serves as a hub for Dandenong’s Albanian community, which also gathers at the local mosque and market. In October 2023, Labor minister Gabrielle Williams and backbencher Lee Tarlamis, announced a $700,000 upgrade to the Thunder’s George Andrews Reserve at a media event, describing it as “the home of elite football in Dandenong.”

At the event, six-time Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti, a longtime Thunder supporter, was present alongside the senior club official who was later charged.

An analysis of court records by The Age reveals that some prominent club supporters have faced serious criminal charges in Australia or overseas, or are connected to Albanian organised crime networks.

McKenzie concludes that the investigation underscores the risks of corruption in Australian football, particularly at its lower tiers, where games draw online betting markets and external pressures may infiltrate the sport.

Posted

NSW NPL FIRST GRADE FIXTURES RELEASED

Football NSW had released the fixtures for the 2025 NPL NSW First Grade season today.

The season will kick off on Friday 7th February 2025 with Manly United hosting the Central Central Mariners Academy at Cromer Park. The First grade squads will kick off at 7:30pm.

The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL squad will kick off their season the next following day, Saturday 8th February 2025 at Wanderers Football Park, Rooty Hill. The Wanderers will play against Mount Druitt Town Rangers who got promoted from League One last season. The first grade squad game taking place at 3pm. 

The first Sydney Derby for the season between the Wanderers NPL squad and Sydney FC NPL squad will take place at Round 9 on Saturday 5th April 2025 at Wanderers Football Park. Kick off is scheduled at 7pm.

The Wanderers NPL squad will experience four Friday night games this season with the first Friday night game for the squad taking place on round 14 against St George FC at Barton Park which got an upgrade and renovations done to the park last year.

The Wanderers NPL squad finish off the season playing against the Central Coast Mariners Academy on Saturday 31st August 2025 at Wanderers Football Park. Kick off is at 3pm. 

Below is list fixtures for the Wanderers NPL squad*:

- Round 1: Mount Druitt Town Rangers at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 8th February 2025 | Kick-off: 3pm
- Round 2: Sydney Olympic FC at Belmore Sports Ground | Saturday 15th February 2025 | Kick-off: 5pm
- Round 3: Sutherland Sharks at Wanderers Football Park | Sunday 23rd February 2025 | Kick-off: 5pm
- Round 4: Sydney United 58 at Sydney United Sports Centre | Saturday 1st March 2025 | Kick-off: 5pm
- Round 5: NWS Spirit at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 8th March 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 6: Wollongong Wolves at Macedonia Park, Berkeley | Sunday 15th March 2025 | Kick-off: 3pm
- Round 7: APIA Leichhardt at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 22nd March 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 8: Marconi Stallions at Marconi Stadium | Saturday 29th March 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 9: Sydney FC NPL Squad at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 5th April 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 10: Manly United at Wanderers Football Park| Saturday 12th April 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 11: Rockdale Ilinden at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre | Saturday 19th April 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 12: St George FA at Penhurst Park | Saturday 26th April | Kick-off: 7:15pm
- Round 13: Blacktown City FC at Wanderers Football Park | Sunday 4th May | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 14: St George FC at Barton Park | Friday 9th May 2025 | Kick-off: 8pm
- Round 15: Central Coast Mariners Academy at Pluim Park | Friday 16th May 2025 | Kick-off: 6:30pm
- Round 16: Mount Druitt Town Rangers at Popondetta Park | Saturday 24th May 2025 | Kick-off: 5pm
- Round 17: Sydney Olympic FC at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 31st May 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 18: Sutherland Sharks FC at Seymour Shaw | Saturday 7th June 2025 | Kick-off: 4pm
- Round 19: Sydney United 58 at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 14th June 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 20: NWS Spirit at Christie Park | Saturday 21st June | Kick-off: 5:30pm
- Round 21: Wollongong Wolves FC at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 28th June 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 22: APIA Leichhardt at Lambert Park | Saturday 5th July 2025 | Kick-off: 6pm
- Round 23: Marconi Stallions at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 12th July 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 24: Sydney FC at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre | Friday 18th July 2025 | Kick-off: 7:30pm
- Round 25: Manly United at Cromer Park | Friday 25th July 2025 | Kick-off: 7:30pm 
- Round 26: Rockdale Ilinden at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 2nd August 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 27: St George City FA at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 9th August 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 28: Blacktown City at Landen Stadium | Sunday 17th August 2025 | Kick-off: 5pm
- Round 29: St George FC at Wanderers Football Park | Saturday 23rd August 2025 | Kick-off: 7pm
- Round 30: Central Coast Mariners Academy at Wanderers Football Park | Sunday 31st August 2025 | Kick-off: 3pm

*Fixtures can change without being advised.


To see the list of the NPL NSW First grade and Under 20's fixtures: Click Here

Posted (edited)

NPL team has started well for a young squad

2-2 v Rockdale (Vidakovic, Barrie, Cameron, Badolato all played 45)

4-1 win over Bonnyrigg (Holiday, Barrie, Badolato all played)

2-1 win over the jets (Vidakovic, Holiday, Barrie, Cameron, Pelekanos, Badolato, Temelkovski all played at least 45mins)

1-0 loss against Sydney United - we did get dominated in this game

Edited by Bangaverage
Posted
34 minutes ago, MartinTyler said:

So Badolato's not injured but just out of favour?

Correct and as he should be. Been given plenty of chances hasn't really shown much. Hammond and Sapsford comfortably ahead of him, plus Temelkosvki pushes him out of even the bench spots.

Posted
11 hours ago, Bangaverage said:

NPL team has started well for a young squad

2-2 v Rockdale (Vidakovic, Barrie, Cameron, Badolato all played 45)

4-1 win over Bonnyrigg (Holiday, Barrie, Badolato all played)

2-1 win over the jets (Vidakovic, Holiday, Barrie, Cameron, Pelekanos, Badolato, Temelkovski all played at least 45mins)

1-0 loss against Sydney United - we did get dominated in this game

Well, that's looking promising, a bit.

I was worried they could be in the relegation zone this season. However, I think the NPL squad will probably do a repeat of last year which is blitz in the first half and unfortunately crumble in the second half with a mid-table finish.

Anything above 11th this season which is where they finished last season would be good.

I think the likes of Sydney United, APIA Leichhardt, Marconi Stallions, Sydney Olympic and maybe Wollongong Wolves will probably be in the top 6 this season as they'll have their squad stacked and ready for the so-called second tier to commence. 

The squad would still have the following available to play in the NPL squad this season:

- Aiden Simmons
- Nathan Barrie
- Anthony Pantazopoulos
- Aydan Hammond
- Oscar Priestman
- Alex Bonetig
- Dylan Scicluna
- Zac Sapsford
- Alex Badolato
- Ben Holliday
- Ryley Hollingdale
- James Cameron
- Tristan Vidackovic
- Taiga Harper

Not sure if Lucas Sinnott and Awan Lual are still at the club. Pretty sure Ricky Fransen is gone.

Posted

Sapsfords contract expires at the end of the season. It's possible especially if he keeps regularly playing the A-League that he won't play NPL, either because the club doesn't want to load him too much/have elevated him fully to the first team or if we haven't extended him by that point, because he will not want to risk injury while looking for a new contract.

Without Blair & Sapsford up front, and no Younis or Bugarija there's a big lack of attacking flair. It worries me if Hammond & Badolato end up being our main attacking weapons.

Priestman & Bonetig didn't play much NPL but maybe Bonetig does this year. Simmons could be 0 games or many. I can't see Scicluna playing NPL, Badolato probably plays every game as the club persist with his long contract and hoping he finally shows an improvement or maybe Stajcic gives up and the club get mutual with him or try to offload him to the Jets or Perth.

Holliday could play every NPL game with a contract extension or he could get cut before the season starts to go back to Queensland. Hollingdale you would expect plays every game again unless the club elevate him into the first team with a proper contract (is he even on a scholarship?) Jesse Cameron likely another full season. The keepers at NPL level have been a merry-go-round so they could get cut or play every game.

BTW did Scicluna ever get his contract extension made public? He was off contract for this season.

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