NSWNPL Preview – Season 2015

Autumn is in the air and it is that busy time of the year when the closing stages of top flight Australian football crosses over with the state leagues. This season promises to be an intriguing one for all clubs involved in the top division for different reasons. Some will be hoping to stay in the top flight, some look like holding a mid-table spot while some have their eyes firmly fixed on glory.

CONTENDERS

The contenders definitely include the usual names as well as last year’s surprise winners of the competition. Firstly Sydney United, Mark Rudan’s men come into the season on a high, seeing off fellow contenders Sydney Olympic in the preseason cup final last Sunday. To those in the know this was hardly a surprise given the strength of his United’s recruitment. Key signings include Justin Pasfield, Nick Stavroulakis and Panni Nikas.

Last season wasn’t short on surprises; this includes both Blacktown City and Sydney Olympic. The two teams played out last season’s grand final. Blacktown City came out on top that day but perhaps this year will be seen as a major test given some of the clubs major talents have been scooped up by A-league teams. Sydney Olympic under the leadership of Grant Lee have continued where they finished off last year. Olympic made the grand final of both last year’s competition and this year’s pre-season cup. The latter being more comfortable which sets them up for a tittle challenge.

Finally there is Bonnyrigg who you can never rule out. The Eagles won the regular season in stunning fashion last year, which just reminded everyone that they will not go away. The player to watch for them is definitely former Spartan Ray Miller who as many players in the State League dreams of playing professional football.

 

MID TABLE

So the mid table, many of these clubs are in a rebuilding stage but no doubt one of them will go on and prove me wrong. Heartbreak was the word for the Spartans on the last day last season. The Spartans went down to neighbours 7-1 on that day throwing away the title they so deeply craved. However this year they look a different prospect, they possess a whole new group of talent and boss Ben De Haan is adamant they could surprise.

Rockdale City Suns and Branko Culina will want to better last year’s finish and there is no doubt that they are capable. Culina has employed a more youthful philosophy this season replacing a more experienced squad of last year. Signings include former Sydney Fc youth product Alec Urosevski.

South Coast Wolves were possibly one of the strongest teams towards the end of last year. That was under no pressure however, this season the prospect is much different. However the loss of skipper Jacob Timpano and striker Ricky Zucco could hurt them. It definitely will be a test for Nahuel Arrarte.

Expect the team from the shire to get better as the season continues. Sutherland has had a change in head coach with Robbie Stanton being replaced by Steve O’Connor. He however wasn’t the only loss with club stalwarts Panni Nikas and Nick Stavroulakis departing. It is now time for youngsters like Jordan Figon to step up.

Finally Apia, it has been a tough few years for the club from Leichhardt. However the club have been the most active in terms of recruitment in the off season. The club has 9 new faces for the new season including Daniel Petkovski from the Sydney Fc youth team and Nathan Elasi from Sutherland who also has some a-league experience.

 

FIGHTERS/RELEGATION

That leaves 3 clubs who will probably have to fight to stay in the top division. Manly United is no strangers to this situation and will be relying on that experience to get through this season unscathed. Parramatta come into this year’s competition as the team promoted from NSWNPL2. That means you don’t know what to expect from them in the top division. However they did win two games in the preseason cup. Then there is Marconi, over a month ago I saw them beat Sutherland at Seymour Shaw. They looked promising that night but since then they haven’t won so it’s hard to see their season go to promisingly.

Opening Round

Marconi Stallions vs. Parramatta FC

Sutherland Sharks vs. Blacktown Spartans

Sydney Olympic vs. South Coast Wolves

Blacktown City vs. Sydney United 58

Manly United vs. Bonnyrigg White Eagles

Rockdale City Suns vs. APIA-Leichardt Tigers

Image – www.nswpl.com.au

Google+