NPL Victoria season preview: Ultimate guide to everything you need to know about each club in 2019
A new A-League club watching with intent, two ambitious promoted clubs and the return of now world-famous Hakeem Al-Araibi are the main ingredients for a stunning 2019 National Premier Leagues Victoria season.
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A new A-League club watching with intent, two ambitious promoted clubs and the return of now world-famous Hakeem Al-Araibi are the main ingredients for a stunning 2019 National Premier Leagues Victoria season.
South Melbourne are also plotting to make a huge impact on and off the field, as the ex National Soccer League club continues its pursuit of to join the A-League.
#HAKEEMSAVED: AL-ARAIBI FINALLY ARRIVES HOME
WESTERN UNITED: GUIDE TO NEW A-LEAGUE CLUB
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIEWS ON EVERY NPL CLUB
Matthew Millar (Central Coast), Elvis Kamsoba (Melbourne Victory) and Kaine Sheppard (Newcastle Jets) have given dozens of players of all ages hope of becoming professionals, after successfully transitioning from Victoria’s NPL to the A-League.
Bentleigh Greens may be perennial finalists, but every team will be up and about against John Anastasiadis’ side with players attempting to impress, with the legendary state league coach joining A-League newcomers in June as an assistant.
Dandenong City — formerly Chelsea Hajduk — join the top tier for the first time and, backed by building mogul Ivan Filipovic from I&D Group, have recruited aggressively in a bid make an impact.
#NPLVIC season kicks off TOMORROW!
— NPL Victoria (@nplvictoria) February 13, 2019
Your Round 1 predictions? 👇 pic.twitter.com/LdHJGLVLqd
Former Melbourne Victory pair Petar Franjic and Diogo Ferreira, plus ex Adelaide United winger Mark Ochieng are the headline ins, along with strong interstate signings Brayden Mann and nippy Anthony Poljak.
While City have ambitious young coach Zeljko Kuzman in charge, fellow promotion winners are led by the experienced Goran Lozanovski.
Five-time champions Altona Magic return to the top tier after a long absence, and the shrewd signings of Ross Archibald and Dusan Bosnjak strengthen an impressive squad.
Pascoe Vale’s Vitale Ferrante — the equal longest serving coach along with Anastasiadis — will be boosted when Al-Araibi returns some time in March once he builds up his fitness after 76 days in a Thai prison.
Football Federation Victoria chief executive Peter Filopoulos said Al-Araibi’s plight has galvanised the football community.
“It’s a global story and he’s one of our own. That is a demonstration of what the football community can achieve with a unity of purpose,’’ he said.
“Football people got together to save one of our own and Victorian football can take a lot from that because it all started here, with the PFA (players’ union) and FFV, and turned into a global campaign.
“The NPL is getting a lot better, it’s an exciting season ahead. Players like Kenny Athiu and Kamsoba are an example of how the NPL has improved.”
Champions Heidelberg United, runners-up Avondale FC and Oakleigh should again challenge, Kingston City and Port Melbourne will be aiming to replicate strong campaigns while Dandenong Thunder, Melbourne Knights, Hume City and Green Gully are keen to improve.
Joey Lynch and Damir Kulaš run the rule over every NPL Victoria club below
ALTONA MAGIC
Founded: 1968 (As Kingsville, merged with Central Altona to form Central Altona 1975, merged with Keilor City to form Altona Gate in 1979, Altona Magic name adopted in 1994)
Manager: Goran Lozanovski — 3rd season in charge of the club
Stadium: Paisley Park Soccer Complex
2018: Promoted (NPL2 West Champions)
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: 1995, 1996, 1997, 2008, 2009
Twitter: @AltonaMagic
Our Dutchman has arrived 🇳🇱 for our @nplvictoria season💪#AltonaMagic #AltonaVardar #NPLVIC pic.twitter.com/DpzOuLKOMs
— Altona Magic S.C (@AltonaMagic) February 13, 2019
In: Ross Archibald (Avondale), Dušan Bošnjak (Oakleigh Cannons), Daniel Collison (Geelong SC), Michiel Hemmen (FC Lienden), Sebastian Kis (Melbourne City Youth), Sam Mitchinson (Green Gully), Sami Nour (Kingston City), Yasin Nur (Melbourne City Youth), Callum Richardson (Green Gully), Shane Viitakangas (Bulleen Lions)
Out: Melvin Becket, Ben Clarke, Rani Dowisha, Daniel Mitwali, Mark Pistininzi, Michael Stark, Jordan Wilkes, Darcy Zerefa
Re-signed: Lirim Elmazi, Marinos Gasparis, Daniel Kuczynski, Ben Litfin, James McGarry, Jon McShane, Robert Naumoski, Troy Ruthven, Robert Stambolziev, John Stojčevski, David Trajanoski
Damir Kulaš: While most promoted teams simply look to survive, five-time VPL Champions Magic will have higher ambitions. Led by former Socceroo Goran Lozanovski, Altona have assembled an exciting squad capable of challenging for honours at the business end of the season. In ex-Oakleigh playmaker Dušan Bosnjak they have one of the most prolific and technically-gifted attacking midfielders outside the A-League, while former Melbourne City defender Ross Archibald provides a formidable force at the back. Of great intrigue to most observers will be Dutch centre-forward Michiel Hemmen, who has featured in the Eredivisie while also getting on the scoresheet against Ajax. Expect the Magic to make an impact in their first top-flight campaign almost a decade.
AVONDALE FC
Founded: 1984 (As Keilor United, Avondale Heights name was adopted in 2001, Avondale FC name was adopted in 2015)
Manager: Zoran Markovski — 1st season in charge of the club
Stadium: Reggio Calabria Club
2018: 3rd (Lost Grand Final to Heidelberg United)
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: None
Twitter: @AvondaleFC84
In: Yusuf Ahmed (Melbourne City Youth), Brandon Lundy (APIA Leichhardt Tigers), Matthew Reid (Moreland City), Tasuku Sekiya (APIA Leichhardt Tigers), Jye Spiteri (Green Gully), Stefan Valentini (TuS Erndtebrück — Germany), Keenan Gibson (Dandenong City), Scott Hilliar (Team Wellington)
Out: Ross Archibald, Evan Christodoulou, Jeff Fleming, Elvis Kamsoba, Kaine Sheppard, Anthony Strano, Rama Tavsancioglu
Re-signed: Jem Berkant, Liam Boland, Jonatan Germano, Christian Inglese, Dillon Jakupi, Joey Katebian, Evan Markogiannakis, Chris Oldfield, James Riccobene, Phil Riccobene, Yitay Towns, Stefan Zinni
If you haven't already heard|🔵
— Avondale FC (@AvondaleFC84) February 13, 2019
Last 2 signing of the summer 🌞
Introducing
Scott Hilliar
And
Keenan Gibson#ForzaAvondale #AttendAndAvenge pic.twitter.com/JiBSAuNydd
Damir Kulaš: Avondale have lost the core of their great 2018 side with Elvis Kamsoba and Kaine Sheppard departing for the bright lights of the A-League, with the Avengers also losing substantial experience in defence and midfield as well. Assistant Zoran Markovski has replaced Anthony Barbieri as Head Coach with the two-time NSL winner no doubt looking to make Avenger Park a fortress in the club’s first full-season at their new home in Brunswick North. Their star off-season recruit is Japanese attacker Tasuku Sekiya who terrorised Melbourne Victory in the FFA Cup last year for APIA Leichhardt, while Yusuf Ahmed is an exciting youngster to watch. They might not to reach the great heights of last season, but the Avengers should still be in the finals mix.
BENTLEIGH GREENS
Founded: 1987 (As Bentleigh-Greensborough, Bentleigh Greens name was adopted in 1988)
Manager: John Anastasiadis — 9th season in charge of the club
Stadium: Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
2018: 2nd (Lost Semi Final to Avondale)
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: 2015, 2016
Twitter: @BentleighGreens
Introducing our new strip for the 2019 season created by Only Sport. The boys will pull the new kit on for the first time on Thursday night when they face Heidelberg United in the Community Shield.
— Bentleigh Greens (@BentleighGreens) February 5, 2019
Green: Home Kit
Purple: Home GK Kit
Red: Away GK Kit pic.twitter.com/xwWHvsW38d
In: Josh Barresi (Green Gully), Matt Crooks (Adelaide United Youth), Ethan Docherty (Bulleen Lions), George Lambadaridis (Green Gully), Valentino Yuel (Adelaide City)
Out: Dimitri Hatzimouratis, James Kelly, Ethan Gage, Chris Lucas, Blake Thompson
Re-signed: Jacob Alexander, Nathan Coe, Charlie Fry, Tyson Holmes, Marco Janković, Josh Meaker, Velibor Mitrović, Ryan Scott, Brody Taylor, Matt Thurtell, Jack Webster, James Xydias
Damir Kulaš: The most successful club of the NPL era, will find themselves in an unusual predicament mid-season when Manager John Anastasiadis departs to take up the role of assistant coach for the new A-League franchise of Western Melbourne. Despite this, the Greens have kept their spine with exciting young shot-stopper Ryan Scott, English centre-back Jack Webster, 2018 Gold Medallist Tyson Holmes and goalscoring machine Matt Thurtell all retained. Well-placed to challenge for honours once more, much will depend on how the Greens manage the transition period mid-season.
DANDENONG CITY
Founded: 2008 (Parkmore Hajduk founded in 1981, Parkmore Hajduk merged with Chelsea in 1983 to form Chelsea Hajduk, Chelsea Hajduk merged with Dandenong City in 2008 to form Dandenong City)
Manager: Željko Kuzman — 2nd season in charge of the club
Stadium: Frank Holohan Soccer Complex
2018: Promoted (NPL2 East Champions)
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: None
Twitter: @DandyCitySC
In: Alex Connell (unattached), Diogo Ferreira (Tochigi — Japan), Petar Franjić (Preston Lions), Keenan Gibson (Rydalmere Lions), Iqi Jawadi (South Melbourne), James Kelly (Bentleigh Greens), Kile Kennedy (unattached), Brayden Mann (Devonport Strikers), Mark Ochieng (Adelaide Comets), Dean Piemonte (Oakleigh Cannons), Anthony Poljak (Rochedale Rovers), Anthony Theodoropoulos (Northcote City), Zac Thompson (Altona City)
Out: Ben Everson, Tomislav Fadljević, Daniel Jurina, Nick Kalmar, Alan Kearney, Josh Knight, Brandon Osipov, Damir Salčin, Peter Sawan, David Stirton, Daniel Višević, Matthew Whatley
Re-signed: Shayan Alinejad, Stipo Andrijašević, Luke Eyles, Shaun Filipović, Greg Lombardo, Liam McCormick, Luke Pilkington, Steven Topalović, Jayden Unmack
Damir Kulaš: Promoted to the top-flight for the first time in their proud 38-year history, the club formerly known as Chelsea Hajduk will be looking to establish themselves in the top tier. 12 new faces have arrived at the club this summer, headlined by former Victory duo Diogo Ferreira and Petar Franjić, with Hajduk keen to make their expanding Frank Holohan Soccer Complex a fortress this season. Should have the capabilities and resources to survive this campaign, especially with the talents of homegrown Stipo Andrijašević, Shaun Filipović and Steven Topalović to call upon.
DANDENONG THUNDER
Founded: 1964 (As South Dandenong, Dandenong Thunder name was adopted in 2001)
Manager: Veton Korcari — 2nd season in charge of the club
Stadium: George Andrews Reserve
2018: 8th
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: 2012
Twitter: @DandyThunderFC
@DandyThunderFC would Iike to welcome new signing Ioannis Georgopoulos to George Andrews Reserve 🔴⚫ï¸âš¡ï¸ pic.twitter.com/wYt1ViPTWq
— Dandenong Thunder FC (@DandyThunderFC) February 5, 2019
In: Omar Ammache (UCAM Murcia) Blake Carpenter (Adelaide United Youth), Christian Cavallo (Green Gully), Pierce Clark (Cairns FC), Kieran Dover (Green Gully), Ioannis Georgopoulos, (Ionikos Nikea), Jack Musgrave (Parramatta FC), Kane Runge (Weston Workers), Keagan Sheridan (SWQ Thunder), Peter Skapetis (Central Coast Mariners)
Out: Samuel Catherine, Veton Korcari, Fraser Maclaren, Theo Markelis, Geoffrey Okello, George Stavridis
Re-signed: Brandon Barnes, Alon Blumgart, Josh Bragg, Bryan Bran, Jayke Cuschieri, Brendan Elmazovski, Mohamed Feizi, Luke Gallo, Sevdim Ismaili, Ajdin Memeti, Mersim Memeti, Nick Modaffari, Sanih Zijai
Joey Lynch: Despite some impressive recruiting efforts down at George Andrews by Huss Skenderovic — Former A-League flyer Peter Skapetis and Queensland import Keagan Sheridan both intriguing signings — and the presence of standout young defender Mersim Meemti — who represented the club as a member of the Young Socceroos in 2018 — of the fate of the Thunder will, once again, largely ride and die on the form of spearhead Brandon Barnes. The Englishman made light work of the jump to NPL2 to NPL in the Thunders first year in the top flight in 2018; winning the competition’s Golden Boot, the NPL Victoria Player’s Player of the Year award and the Bill Fleming Award as the media’s most valuable player as he kept his club in finals contention until the final day of the season. If Barnes can stay fit and healthy and continue to bang in the goals the Thunder could once challenge for a final appearance. If he’s not, they could possibly find themselves flirting with the opposite end of the table.
GREEN GULLY
Founded: 1995 (As Ajax, Green Gully Ajax was adopted in 1996, Green Gully was adopted in 1982)
Manager: Stephen Downes — 1st season in charge of the club
Stadium: Green Gully Reserve
2018: 12th (Won Promotion/Relegation Playoff against Moreland City)
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2010 and 2011
Twitter: @GreenGullySC
MEET OUR SENIOR PLAYERS & COACHES - This Thursday February 14th 2019 at 8pm.
— Green Gully SC (@GreenGullySC) February 12, 2019
Members, Players & Parents come & meet, & have your photo taken, with our Senior team & Coaching Staff in the Cavalier Room (new bistro)
Share with your family & friends. #ggsc 💚⚽ï¸ðŸ’šâš½ï¸ pic.twitter.com/NX7R9VbXyX
In: Will Abbott (Bulleen Lions), Andy Brennan (Oakleigh Cannons), Matthew Fletcher (Manly United), Nick Kalmar (Dandenong City), Teeboy Kamara (Melbourne Knights), Jordon Lampard (Moreland City), Timmy Purcell (Melbourne Knights), Alex Salmon (Inglewood United), Jerrad Tyson (Chennai City)
Out: Josh Barresi, Christian Cavallo, Mitch Cooper, Kieran Dover, Joseph Franjić, Nick Krousoratis, George Lambadaridis, Sam Mitchinson, Callum Richardson, Jye Spiteri
Re-signed: Adisu Beyaw, Jonathan Bounas, Jay Davies, Jordon Hall, Liam Kielty, Manny Muscat, Lucas Spinella, William Tsiamis, Michael Tzoutzidis, Jayden Vella, Josh Velardo, Jeremy Walker
Damir Kulaš: The most successful club at this level in Victorian football, nine-time Champions Green Gully were minutes away from relegation last term until a last-gasp escape secured their top-flight survival. Former Melbourne Heart midfielder Nick Kalmar is a key off-season acquisition while the re-signings of the experienced Manny Muscat and energetic Jeremy Walker provides the side with a solid base to build from. Goals were a problem last season, with interstate recruits Matthew Fletcher and Alex Salmon — a former Carlisle United player — expected to solve that issue for manager Stephen Downes, who has now got the job on a permanent basis.
HEIDELBERG UNITED
Founded: 1958 (As Alexander, Fitzroy United Alexander was adopted in 1970, Heidelberg United was adopted in 1979)
Manager: George Katsakis — 8th season in charge of the club
Stadium: Olympic Village
2018: Premiers and Champions
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: 1975, 1988, 1990, 2001 and 2018
Twitter: @HUFCWARRIOR
GK Chris Theodoridis to play 100 games for Heidelberg United. Thursday night v @pvfc_official @nplvictoria pic.twitter.com/XGyckcGu0V
— Heidelberg United FC (@HUFCWARRIOR) February 11, 2019
In: Peter Deng (Moreland Zebras), Lucas Derrick (Northcote City), John Lazaridis (St Albans Saints), Alex Pavlidis (Pascoe Vale), Reuben Way (Wellington Phoenix)
Out: Kosta Kanakaris, Atilla Ofli (Melbourne Knights), Christian Pavlidis (Box Hill United), Harvey Read (Preah Khan — Cambodia), George Tsalikidis (Northcote City)
Re-signed: Luke Byles, Tom Cahill, Andrew Cartanos, Les Doumbalis, Sean Ellis, Andreas Govas, Lewis Hall, Harry Noon, Paul O’Brien, Steve Pace, Jack Petrie, Alex Schiavo, Chris Theodoridis, Josh Wilkins, Adrian Zahra
This season just got hotter !! pic.twitter.com/lOw2EnTQOB
— Heidelberg United FC (@HUFCWARRIOR) February 10, 2019
Joey Lynch: At this stage, there is little for all-conquering Heidelberg United to accomplish in NPL Victoria, having in recent years won Community Shields, Dockerty Cups, Premierships, Championships and NPL National Championships. Now, George Katsakis and his squad featuring standouts Adrian Zahra, Josh Wilkins and cult hero Harry Noon will instead undertake an even more difficult task then ascending to the peak of Victorian football: staying there. Largely returning the championship winning group of 2018 this season, the addition of dynamic youngster Lucas Derrick could prove a boon to Alexandros. The former Young Socceroos winger was setting NPL Victoria ablaze in his first year in the competition with Northcote in 2018 before his season was cruelly ended by an ACL injury that will keep out of the first month of the 2019 season. However, should he be fit, he will serve as a terrifying prospect for opposing wing-backs on the flank of Katsakis’ squad.
HUME CITY
Founded: 1979 (As Holland Park, North Coburg United name was adopted in 1992, Coburg United name was adopted in 2006, Hume City name was adopted in 2009)
Manager: Nick Hegarty — 2nd season in charge of the club
Stadium: ABD Stadium
2018: 11th
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: None
Twitter: @FCHumeCity
In: Ben Bowler, Mitch Cooper (Green Gully), Marko Delić (Melbourne City Youth), Danny Dixon (Club Eagles — Maldives)), Steven Hewitt, Matthew Lazarides (Pascoe Vale), Theo Markelis (Dandenong Thunder), Paul Wilson (Adelaide United Youth)
Out: Blair Govan, Nick Hegarty, Joseph Konyit
Re-signed: Brad Blumenthal, James Brown, Umut Bozdugan, Will Hendon, James Kapuranovski, Ersin Kaya, Harry Monaghan, Gideon Sweet, Hayden Tennant, Michael Weier
Damir Kulaš: The Broadmeadows-based outfit have failed to kick-on following their FFA Cup exploits of 2015 and 2016, having finished outside the finals places in the last two seasons. Player-coach Nick Hegarty has retired from on-field action to focus all his energy on the task at hand in the dugout, with City looking for a much improved 2019 having been involved in the relegation dogfight for much of last year. The combination of former A-League duo James Brown and Mitch Cooper will be key, as will that of several interstate recruits and visa signings with Hume being another side to have struggled in front of goal lately.
KINGSTON CITY
Founded: 1974 (As Clarinda, Kingston City name was adopted in 1996)
Manager: Nick Tolios — 7th season in charge of the club
Stadium: The Grange Reserve
2018: 7th
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: None
Twitter: @KingstonCityFC
KCFC would like to welcome Steve Hatzikourtis for the 2019 season. Steve had a break out year last season coming across from Melbourne Victory FC. He had a taste of senior football last season & we hope he builds on the experience this season.
— Kingston City FC (@KingstonCityFC) February 13, 2019
Welcomes Back Hatzi!#KingstonOlé pic.twitter.com/LVzjJ4VoDN
In: Max Etheridge, Mouad Zwed (returning)
Out: Christos Lambiris, Sami Nour
Re-signed: Daniel Bennett, Alex Caniglia, Nate Cavalieré, Ajdin Fetahagić, Stephen Hatzikourtis, Damian Iaconis, Anthony Ianchello, Chris Irwin, Simo Jovanović, Cooper Legrand, Ryan Love, Keanu Moore, Michael Mullins, Faisal Sakhizada, Ali Sulemani, Nathan Tidmarsh
Great turn out from our boys this morning vs FC Bulleen Lions at the Grange Reserve. The team is looking really sharp as we get closer to the start of the season.
— Kingston City FC (@KingstonCityFC) February 2, 2019
Final score: #KCFC 4-0 #BLFC
Goal Scorers:
â–ªDamian Iaconis
â–ªï¸Keanu Moore
â–ªï¸Chris Irwin
â–ªï¸Mouad Zwed#KingstonOlé pic.twitter.com/snf2RypL0g
Joey Lynch: Kingston had a strange season in 2018. At one stage, it appeared that relegation was on the cards for the side from The Grange as they struggled to make headway in the early months of league play. Nonetheless, a late season turnaround — which included wins in five or their last six games — and the compact nature of 2018 table eventually meant that Tolios’ side only missed the finals on goal difference. Featuring Melbourne Victory E-League player Mouad Zwed — who will be returning to the pitch after a catastrophic knee injury — and Damian Iaconis — who is one of the best strikers currently plying their trade outside the A-League — Kingston will be hoping that their relative stability and maturing playing list can see them finally break through for a finals appearance in 2019. A strong start for Tolios’ side, however, will be vital with a number of their rivals from 2018 looking significantly bolstered.
MELBOURNE KNIGHTS
Founded: 1953 (As Croatia, Merged with Preston Croatia in 1962, Disqualified in 1972, Took over Essendon Lions in 1975, Essendon Croatia was adopted in 1978, Melbourne Croatia was adopted in 1982, Melbourne Knights was adopted in 1993)
Manager: Micky Čolina — 1st season in charge of the club
Stadium: Knights Stadium
2018: 9th
National Titles: 1994/95, 1995/96
Victorian Titles: 1968, 1978, 1979
Twitter: @MelbKnights
We take on @oakcannonsfc this Friday night Knights fans! Who else remembers our emphatic 4-3 win the last time we met?
— Melbourne Knights FC (@MelbKnights) February 13, 2019
📷: Mikko Robles#itsyourclub #mkfc pic.twitter.com/7Rf8j9Ejcb
In: Gian Albano (Bayswater City), Joseph Franjić (Green Gully), Ivan Grgić (returning), Atilla Ofli (Melbourne Knights), Corey Sewell (Bulleen Lions), Yutaro Shin (Savan United), Tom Podaridis (Oakleigh Cannons), Daniel Višević (Dandenong City), Hamish Watson (Team Wellington)
Out: Milan Batur, Anthony Dezić, Nate Foster, Jordan Gifkins, Nicholas Jurčić, Teeboy Kamara, Timmy Purcell, Angelo Svalina, Ben Surey, Shaun Timmins, Mitchell Walsh
Re-signed: Ayden Brice, Harry Čakarun, Marijan Cvitković, Anthony Duzel, Jordan Gifkins, Kym Harris, AJ Inia, Luke Jurčić, Nikola Jurković, Adrian Tardio, Tomislav Uskok, Jordan Gifkins
Damir Kulaš: A powerhouse in the NSL during their heyday in the 90s, the Knights find themselves occupying a more modest position in NPL football these days. Star coach Aljoša Asanović has departed the club after taking up the role of assistant coach alongside Slaven Bilic in Saudi Arabia, with former North Geelong Warriors manager Micky Čolina gaining a deserved promotion by being named as his successor. Players such as Marijan Cvitković, Nikola Jurković and Tomislav Uskok remain while new signings Atilla Ofli and former Wellington Phoenix marksman Hamish Watson will be tasked with the goalscoring burden for a club revered for its youth promotion.
OAKLEIGH CANNONS
Founded: 1972 (As South Oakleigh, Oakleigh was adopted in 1986, Oakleigh Cannons was adopted in 2000)
Manager: Chris Taylor — 2nd season in charge of the club
Stadium: Jack Edwards Reserve
2018: 5th (Lost semi-final to Heidelberg United)
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: 2006
Twitter: @oakcannonsfc
Who else is buzzing for Friday!? 🕒 🕒 Hear from Joe Guest who is buzzing to get out there against @MelbKnights 📹 📹 pic.twitter.com/Cw0I6Z0YIX
— Oakleigh Cannons FC (@oakcannonsfc) February 13, 2019
In: Rory Brian (South Melbourne), Nick Epifano (North Sunshine Eagles), Marcus Dimanche (Springvale White Eagles), Matthew Foschini (South Melbourne), Blair Govan (Hume City), Matt Green (Gold Coast United), Joe Guest (Curzon Ashton — England), Miloš Lujić (South Melbourne), Rama Tavsancioglu (Avondale), Harry White (Hereford FC — England)
Out: Dušan Bošnjak, Andy Brennan, Keegan Coulter, Dean Piemonte, Janiel Silva, Tom Podaridis, Kostas Stratomitros, Wayne Wallace
Re-signed: Wade Dekker, John Honos, Tom Matthews, Hamish Millar, Ryan Paczkowski, Luke Pavlou, Goran Zorić
Joey Lynch: The Cannons carry more than a little South Melbourne flavour heading into 2019, with numerous players joining gaffer Chris Taylor in having significant ties to Hellas. Epifano and Lujić, in particular, are two names that immediately jump out when one runs an eye across the team list, both having played significant parts in some of the most famous moments in recent South Melbourne History. With the influx of new (old) faces to his playing list and entering his first proper season in charge at Jack Edwards Reserve, Taylor will no doubt be expecting silverware in 2019 after taking eventual champions Heidelberg United to penalties in last year’s semi-final, with the ambitious powerbrokers at Oakleigh no doubt expecting the same.
PASCOE VALE
Founded: 1966
Manager: Vitale Ferrante — 9th season in charge of the club
Stadium: CB Smith Reserve
2018: 4th (Lost elimination-final to Oakleigh Cannons)
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: None
Twitter: @pvfc_official
📸 Great night at the @thepfa function celebrating Hakeem’s home coming. Great food and venue. Pictured Chairman @LouTona and and the one and only Hakeem Al-Araibi.#HakeemSaved pic.twitter.com/crQ8TwtoF8
— Pascoe Vale FC (@pvfc_official) February 12, 2019
In: Josh Calabria (Canberra Olympic), Nick Feely (Perth Glory), Dimitri Hatzimouratis (Bentleigh Greens), Josh Kelić (Melbourne Victory Youth), Mohammad Rahimi (Sydney United)
Out: Matthew Lazarides, Samuel Logozzo, Alex Pavlidis, Luka Prelević, Carl Recchia
Re-signed: Hakeem Al-araibi, Matteo Ballan, Philippe Bernabo-Madrid, Michael Ferrante, Stephen Hatzikostas, Matt Hennessey, Gonzalo Munoz, Damien Peters, Adrian Talarico, Davey van’t Schip, John Vakirtzis, Joseph Youssef
Justice prevailed our No 5 Hakeem Al-Araibi is coming home. To all the tweeters tweeting all hours of the night a big thank you. To @hakparn @prayutofficial thank you for answering our prayers. To the legend of the game @Craig_Foster we have no more words but we are grateful. pic.twitter.com/FHtzNrwU3w
— Pascoe Vale FC (@pvfc_official) February 11, 2019
Joey Lynch: In a way, it doesn’t matter how Pascoe Vale go during the season; the safe return of player Hakeem Al-Araibi from detention in a Thai jail Monday giving the club the biggest win they could have hoped for 2018. After his ordeal, there’s no telling when or even if Al-araibi will be able to lace up the boots once more for ‘Paco’, but when he does so it will no doubt be once of the biggest days in the NPL Victoria season. Elsewhere for Paco, their fate this season once again lays with the boots of standout striker Davey van’t Schip. The son of former Melbourne Heart/City boss John, van’t Schip is a level above NPL Victoria defences when he’s fit and on song, and it’ll be his goals that will be vital if Pascoe Vale are to do anything of note in 2019.
PORT MELBOURNE SHARKS
Founded: 1968 (As Garden City, Port Melbourne name was adopted in 1972, Merged with East Melbourne Helvetic in 1973, Port Melbourne Sharks name was adopted in 1994)
Manager: Adam Piddick — 2nd season in charge of the club
Stadium: JL Murphy Reserve
2018: 6th (Lost elimination-final to Avondale)
National Titles: None
Victorian Titles: None
Twitter: @PMSCSharks
In: Kristian Bombaci (Melbourne City Youth), Sam Ford, Andre Jannese (Moreland Zebras), Alan Kearney (Dandenong City), Michael Lee (Brisbane Strikers), Maker Maker (Melbourne Victory Youth)
Out: Perry Lambropoulos, Sam Smith
Re-signed: Daniel Clark, Michael Eagar, Kamal Ibrahim, Kris Kioussis, Amadu Koroma, Alan Mulcahy, Matthew Symes, Francesco Stella, Liam Ward, Valli Cesnik
Joey Lynch: The Sharks broke through for their first finals appearance in the Victorian top flight since 2001 last year, although they were then promptly eliminated by Avondale. Looking to improve on that mark and now in his second year in charge down in Victoria, Adam Piddick has once again dipped into his native Queensland to reinforce the Sharks in 2019, adding Michael Lee from powerhouse side Brisbane Strikers. 20-year-old Valli Cesnik is another name to watch out for in the Sharks midfield, the former Richmond and Gully standout impressing after his mid-2018 move to the club and looking to build on that momentum in 2019. A return to finals football would be an excellent result for Piddick in 2019, with the Sharks, on paper, not possessing the quality that a number of their rivals can turn to.
SOUTH MELBOURNE
Founded: 1959 (As South Melbourne Hellas, South Melbourne Lakers was adopted in 1996, South Melbourne was adopted in 1999)
Manager: Con Tangalakis — 2nd season in charge of the club
Stadium: Lakeside Stadium
2018: 10th
National Titles: 1984, 1990/91, 1997/98, 1998/99
Victorian Titles: 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1974, 1976, 2006, 2014, 2016
Twitter: @smfc
SMFC are thrilled to have signed 191cm centre forward Billy Konstantinidis today. The Melbourne born striker returns to the country following a 14 year stint in Greece.
— South Melbourne FC (@smfc) February 7, 2019
This is what we can expect at Lakeside Stadium in 2019!
Welcome, Billy!#SMFC #WelcomeBilly pic.twitter.com/6XYkxCLTK8
In: Dean Bereveskos (Bonnyrigg White Eagles), Ethan Gage (Bentleigh Greens), Billy Konstantinidis (P.A.S.A. Irodotos — Greece), Nick Krousoratis (Green Gully), Perry Lambropoulos (Port Melbourne Sharks), Kostas Stratomitros (Oakleigh Cannons), Gerrie Sylaidos (Northcote City), Zac Bates (Melbourne City Youth)
Out: Matthew Foschini, Iqi Jawadi, Miloš Lujić, Ndumba Makeche, Tim Mala, Matthew Millar
Re-signed: Luke Adams, Manny Aguek, Josh Hodes, George Howard, Kristian Konstantinidis, Giordano Marafioti, Giuseppe Marafioti, Jake Marshall, Leigh Minopoulos, Brad Norton, Will Orford, Nikola Roganović, Marcus Schroen
Joey Lynch: For a club as proud as South Melbourne, 2018 would have been a bitter pill to swallow. The sudden departure of celebrated coach Chris Taylor (now at Oakleigh) in January was then followed by an early exit from the FFA Cup, a disastrous run of league form that meant the club was still in danger of falling into the Promotion/Relegation Playoff on the final day of the season and a rejection of their A-League advances by the FFA.
New signing Gerrie Sylaidos has all the tools to turn into a superstar at South Melbourne, and the pressure will be on him and his fellow new additions to not only return South to what they see as their rightful place in finals football, but to also play hard for the famous Hellas shirt after fans became increasingly frustrated with the playing group in 2018. If neither looks likely early in the season, expect the seat of boss Con Tangalakis to get very hot, very quickly.
Originally published as NPL Victoria season preview: Ultimate guide to everything you need to know about each club in 2019
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