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PlayStation速4 NPL Victoria 2015 MEDIA GUIDE First edition Published 2015 by FFV Media Edited by Alen Delic With thanks to Sean Ellicott Photographers: Mark Avellino, Graeme Furlong, Roberto Filitti, Matt Johnson, Skip Fulton, Steve Grey Published by FFV Media a division of Football Federation Victoria Level 3, 436 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne For all enquiries, contact: Alen Delic Media and Communications Coordinator 0435 225 131 adelic@footballfedvic.com.au
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a brief overview THE 2015 edition of the PlayStation 4 NPL Victoria promises to be one of the most exciting seasons in state league football this state has ever seen. 14 clubs will compete for top honours in the PlayStation NPL while 20 teams in the NPL 1 division below will fight it out to earn their spot in the top tier next year. The biggest change in 2015 is the addition of a three-week finals series involving the top six in the league. Not only does that mean the season will be extended, but the interest levels will remain high well into September. The competitions have also been complicated by the additions of two A-League teams in Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory’s youth contingents into the second tier. Many of the clubs have lost their brightest young talents and have been left to fill the voids left on their teamsheets.
Victoria’s second division was recently split into two conferences – NPL 1 East and NPL 1 West – to accommodate for six new additions: Eastern Lions, Moreland City, Nunawading City, Murray United, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City. In the NPL 1, along with the two A-League sides, it will be the first time a team from the Albury Wodonga region competes against the best in Victoria. Each NPL 1 team will play every team in its conference twice, and teams in the opposing conference once. The champions of each conference will contest the NPL 1 Grand Final on September 18-20. The runners-up of each conference will meet at a similar date, with the winner to come up against the 12th-placed NPL team on September 25-27 for a spot in the top division in 2016. 2015 truly promises to be a long and exciting season in Victorian football.
contents Avondale Heights..................4 Bentleigh Greens...................6 Dandenong Thunder.............8 Green Gully.........................10 Heidelberg United...............12 Hume City...........................14 Melbourne Knights.............16 Northcote City....................18 North Geelong Warriors......20 Oakleigh Cannons...............22 Pascoe Vale..........................24
Port Melbourne...................26 South Melbourne................28 Werribee City......................30 Box Hill United...................32 Dandenong City..................34 Eastern Lions.......................36 Goulburn Valley Suns..........38 Kingston City......................40 Melbourne Victory..............42 Murray United....................44 Nunawading City................46 Richmond SC.....................48
Springvale White Eagles......50 Ballarat Red Devils..............52 Bendigo City FC.................54 Brunswick City...................56 FC Bulleen Lions................58 Melbourne City...................60 Moreland City.....................62 Moreland Zebras.................64 St Albans Saints...................66 Sunshine George Cross........68 Whittlesea Ranges...............70
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Avondale FC President: Anthony Warden | Coach: Anthony Barbieri Home Ground: Doyle St Reserve, Avondale Heights Media contact: Anthony Nuzzacco | 0421 963 578 | nuzzac_09@hotmail.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY SIX years ago, the club known as Avondale Heights won its first promotion. Fast forward to 2015 and the newly-rebranded Avondale FC has achieved five promotions in the last six years, including back-to-back promotions over the last three years. It’s also a club that is looking to grow off the field, having developed a strong relationship with both corporate partners and local council.
THE YEAR PRIOR LAST season capped off an extraordinary 30th year of existence for Avondale FC. The club will compete in Victoria’s top-tier for the first time ever after its third successive promotion in as many years. It finished on top of the table with a solid defensive record, conceding the second-least amount of goals in the NPL 1.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Anthony SARIC Anthony STRANO Zoran PAJIC Anthony FALLONE Michele-Emanuele CRAZIA Burakhan KOCA Jason PRINCIPATO Andrew LE PAGE Oleksiy KHRAPKO Phillip RICCOBENE Domenico MARAFIOTI Simon TOLLI Christopher IRWIN Julien CANNIZZARO Jonathan MUNOZ Jeff FLEMING Frazer SIDDAL Resit CULCULOGLU Jungho KIM Aydin ABDI
QUICK STATS
ALEKSIY KHRAPKO THE Ukrainian-born striker is your achetypal big, strong centre-forward. He’s a goalscorer, and does so with little fuss, but can also bring his teammates into play. Khrapko will be handful for NPL defenders as he looks to prove himself in the top-flight.
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2014 SEASON: 1st in NPL 1, Round of 32 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 17 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses 47 goals for, 25 against, +22 goal difference Top goalscorer: Aleksiy Khraphko (11 goals)
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bentleigh greens President: Con Bios | Coach: John Anastasiadis Home Ground: Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Cheltenham Media contact: Sean Ellicott | 0420 298 600 | bgreensmedia@gmail.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY BENTLEIGH Greens was established in 1987 through the work of a group of Greek Cypriots who saw sport as a way of bringing their love of football to their new adopted country, Australia. Recently, the club has focused on junior development and, in conjunction with its new technical director of coaching, is working on developing a consistent curriculum across all junior age groups.
THE YEAR PRIOR THE SIDE rose to national prominince in 2014 as apart of the inaugural FFA Cup, bowing out in the semi-final to Perth Glory after a remarkable campaign. John Anastasiadis’ squad also fared exceptionally well on the domestic front given its circumstances, finishing fourth on the table following a raft of mid-season depatures.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* 1. Ryan SCOTT (GK) 2. Thomas MATTHEWS 4. Troy RUTHVEN 5. Jack WEBSTER 6. Liam McCORMICK 7. Jamie DE ABREU 8. Wayne WALLACE (C) 9. Chris LUCAS 10. Tyson HOLMES 11. Dion KIRK 12. Dimitar MITKOV 18. Matt THURTELL 19. Daniel VISEVIC 20. David CARDAMONE 21. Alastair BRAY (GK) 23. Austin WONG 24. Luke PILKINGTON 26. Marinos PANAYI 36. Steven TOPALOVIC
QUICK STATS
Chris Lucas THE former Gold Coast United forward arrives in Melbourne with a devastating reputation, scoring a staggering 35 goals in 26 games for Palm Beach Sharks in 2014. Lucas also claimed NPL QLD’s Golden Boot and Gold Medal equivalent.
2014 SEASON: 4th in NPL, Semi Finals in Dockerty Cup, Semi Finals in FFA Cup NPL: 12 wins, 7 draws, 7 losses 48 goals for, 35 against, +13 goal difference Top goalscorer: David Stirton (11 goals)
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DANDENONG THUNDER President: Ferman Zekirija | Coach: Stuart Munro Home Ground: George Andrews Reserve, Dandenong Media contact: Sezar Jakupi | 0450 266 799 | sjakupi@hotmail.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY THIS year Dandenong Thunder celebrates 50 years as a club at George Andrews Reserve; it was initially founded as South Dandenong In 2001, the club name was changed to its current name, Dandenong Thunder SC. The club’s proudest achievement is the historic treble winning season in 2012 where Thunder won the VPL minor premiership, Dockerty Cup and VPL grand final at AAMI Park.
THE YEAR PRIOR AFTER a promising start - sitting as high as third position for a number of weeks - Thunder slipped down the table to finish on the better side of a relegation battle in ninth. After losing a number of players to A-League sides, the club is now in a rebuilding phase, with its sights set on developing younger players in line with FFA and NPL objectives.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Zaim ZENELI Yusuf AHMED Feston AZIZI Michael GERACE Brendan ELMAZOVSKI Alex TABOR Sermin SADIKOVSKI Jarryd BARNES Ramazan TAVSANCIOGLU Sahki Zada FAISAL Adam PETKO Alan MULCAHY Abdirahman AHMED Lewis FOSTER Veton KORCARI Deji OMOBOYE Ilir PALI Gideon SWEET Fitim IBRAIMI Ariel RITZ Viktor MUJEDINOVSKI Joshua CARUANA Dillon JAKUPI
QUICK STATS
Veton Korcari DANDENONG’S former skipper returns to the club following a spell with Oakleigh Cannons last season. An experienced and influential playmaker, Korcari will lend an experienced head to an otherwise youthful squad.
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2014 SEASON: 9th in NPL, Round of 16 in Dockerty Cup NPL: 9 wins, 5 draws, 12 losses 34 goals for, 47 against, -13 goal difference Top goalscorer: Matthew Millar (7 goals)
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GREEN GULLY President: Charles Farrugia | Coach: Bob Stojcevski Home Ground: Green Gully Reserve, Keilor Downs Media contact: Katie Lambeski | 0403 748 209 | ggsc.manager@bigpond.com | ggullysc@bigpond.net.au *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY SINCE its first competitive year in 1964, Green Gully boasts the record as one of the most decorated clubs in Victoria, winning nine State League/Premier League cups, and the Dockerty Cup on five occasions. The 1980s saw Gully enjoy its most successful period, captivating a trio state leagues crowns while spending a three-year period in the NSL , known as Green Gully Ajax.
THE YEAR PRIOR GULLY finished in tenth position, only three points away from relegation. The side won 4-0 in Round 1, but went on to lose the next four, setting the tone for an inconsistent year.. Despite its problems, Gull was lethal in front of goal finding the back of the net 45 times, fifth most in the competition last year.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Kieran GONZALES Daniel JONES Jem BERKANT Matthew REID Rodrigo VARGAS Matthew SANDERS Aaron COHEN Rinor MURIQI Rani DOWISHA Nathan FOX Alon BLUMGART Amadu KOROMA Berkan YURDAKUL Daniel TRAJKOSKI Anthony MARAFIOTI Matthew BREEZE Nikola MARKOVSKI Thomas MURPHY Luc JEGGO
QUICK STATS
Nikola Markovski THE Macedonian forward has carved a career across the top divisions in both his homeland and Greece. The 27-year-old comes to Australia with a host of individual accolades, taking the honours as the MVP for Greece’s fourth tier.
2014 SEASON: 10th in NPL, Round of 16 in Dockerty Cup NPL: 9 wins, 3 draws, 14 losses 45 goals for, 52 against, -7 goal difference Top goalscorer: Matthew Sanders (11 goals)
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HEIDELBERG UNITED President: John Dimtsis | Coach: George Katsakis Home Ground: Olympic Village, Heidelberg West Media contact: John Lioupas | 0400 572 291 | johnlioupas@hotmail.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY FOUNDED in 1958, the Heidelberg United Football Club has been an integral part of the football landscape in Victoria, and instrumental in the development of the game nationally as a founding member of the National Soccer League (NSL) in 1977. From its humble beginnings in the Victorian Metropolitan Leagues in the late 1950s the club managed to work its way up to the football ladder and along the way it grew into a formidable force.
THE YEAR PRIOR IT was an exceptional return to the top flight for Heidelberg United, finishing the year in third. Dan Heffernan and Kaine Sheppard shared 28 goals between them as one of the league’s most lethal strikeforce, as George Katsakis’ side impressed on all fronts.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* James CUMMING Leslie DOUMBALIS Griffin McMASTER Daniel HEFFERNAN Luke BYLES Andrew CARTONAS John LAZARIDIS Steven PACE Daniel VASILEVSKI Jonathan VOULGARIS James GOULOPOULOS Dean JANCEVSKI Ken ATHIU Reuben WAY Kaine SHEPPARD Jack PETRIE Jacob WILLIAMS Kostas KANAKARIS Andreas GOVAS Christopher MAYNARD
QUICK STATS
DANIEL HEFFERNAN HEFFERNAN narrowly missed out on last year’s Gold Medal by suspension. Despite the disqualification, he was still one of the most lethal strikers in the NPL, bagging 18 goals for the year, and finishing second in the race for the Golden Boot.
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2014 SEASON: 3rd in NPL, Round 4 in Dockerty Cup NPL: 12 wins, 8 draws, 6 losses, 55 goals for, 33 against, +22 goal difference. Top goalscorer: Dan Heffernan (18 goals)
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HUME CITY
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HUME CITy President: Steve Kaya | Coach: Louie Acevski Home Ground: Broadmeadows Valley Park, Westmeadows Media contact: Tom Pollock | 0410 393 218 | media@humecity.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY HUME City FC was originally formed in 1974 by a group of working class migrants at a cafe in the back streets of Kensington. After gaining promotion into the Victorian Premier League in 2007, the club was almost relegated that year but for a 93rd minute header by local hero Tansel Baser against Frankston Pines. The Club’s home ground, Valley Park, recently underwent a redevelopment of four playing and training fields, a 580 seat stadium, a social club with a commercial kitchen and bar, along with eight change rooms, medical rooms and a gym.
THE YEAR PRIOR LOUIE Acevski’s men finished the 2014 PS4 NPL campaign in sixth position with 12 wins next to their name. The club missed out on FFA Cup qualification at the final hurdle, bowing out in the Dockerty Cup quarter-finals to South Springvale.
MAN TO WATCh
SQUAD* Nicholas HEGARTY Isiyan ERDOGAN Chris OLDFIELD Petar FRANJIC Shane REXHEPI Nikos JACKSON-TSEREXIDIS Shaun TIMMINS Joseph FRANJIC Tom BANFIELD Ilhan ALTUNTAS Matthew HENNESSEY Deang AGUEK Aaron TURNER Jai INGHAM Ivan PAVLAK Dean TOMESKI Calvin MBARGA Marcus SCHROEN Liam NEWMAN Reis AYGUN
QUICK STATS
Jai Ingham FORMER Brisbane Roar forward Jai Ingham landed at Hume City for the 2015 campiagn after two seasons in the Hyundai A-League. An exciting, attacking player, the 21-yearold brings plenty of speed and skill to Hume’s frontline.
2014 SEASON: 6th in NPL, Quarter Final in Dockerty Cup NPL: 12 wins, 2 draws, 12 losses, 33 goals for, 33 against, 0 goal difference Top goalscorer: Nick Hegarty (6 goals)
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MELBOURNE KNIGHTS President: Simun Samardzic | Coach: Andrew Marth Home Ground: Knights Stadium, Sunshine North Media contact: Don Sutherland | 0448 332 022 | media@melbourneknights.com.au *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY AS one of the most accomplished clubs in Australia, boasting more than 60 years of history, Melbourne Knights Football Club kicks off 2015 eyeing further success. With two national league titles and three Victorian crowns to its name, Melbourne Knights is accustomed to success.
THE YEAR PRIOR SILVERWARE found its way back into the trophy cabinet at Somers Street in 2014 courtesy of a famous Dockerty Cup triumph. 2014 also saw Knights compete on the national stage once again via the inaugural FFA Cup, where Andrew Marth’s side bowed out in the Round of 32 to Olympic FC. But inconsistency plagued Knights on the domestic front, finishing fifth on the table.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Jacob COLOSIMO Adrian DEL MONACO Anthony COLOSIMO Andrew BARISIC Ben SUREY Christopher TALAJIC Ivan GRGIC Luis COVARRUBIAS Tomislav USKOK Mrijan CVITKOVIC Milan BATUR Joshua BERRIOS Joshua BREKALO Stipo ANDRIJASEVIC James McGARRY Christopher MAY Michael OFARRELL Nikola SRBINOVSKI Luke JURCIC Alexander DAO Anthony KATIFORIS
quICK STATS
Andrew bARESIC BACK for his fourth assignment in a red jersey, the local hero returns after a spell abroad in China and India. The 28-year-old striker brings a wealth of experience having also had spells in Germany and in the A-League with Gold Coast United.
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2014 SEASON: 5th in NPL, Dockerty Cup winner NPL: 12 wins, 12 draws, 2 losses 41 goals for, 36 against, +5 goal difference Top goalscorer: Stipo Andrijasevic (6 goals)
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NORTHCOTE CITY President: Theo Kalifatidis | Coach: Goran Lozanovski Home Ground: John Cain Memorial Reserve, Darebin Media contact: Peter Kotsiris | 0420 600 987 | northcotecity@bigpond.com *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY NORTHCOTE CITY was founded in 1960 by a group of Greek migrants. Over its history, the club achieved varying degrees of success with a number of cups to its name. But its coup de grâce came in 2013 when Northcote City claimed both the VPL minor premiership and the grand final.
THE YEAR PRIOR A MID-TABLE finish welcomed Northcote at the end of the 2014 season as it fell agonisingly short of an FFA Cup berth, suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to St Albans in the Dockerty Cup semi-final. They’ll be hoping for a better start to the season than in 2014, when it lost its first three games on the trot. Despite that, they managed a respectable seventh-place.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Nicholas BAVCAR Aaron WARD Mitchell BISSINGER Jordan WILKES Jonathan BOUNAS Hayden D’AGOSTINO Thomas DEMELIS Christopher DI BARTOLO Jacob ELIOPOULOS Marino GASPARIS Jason HAYNE Mason INTERLANDI James KALIFATIDIS Nicholas KOKOLAKIS Evan KOUNAVELIS Gregory LOMBARDO Aminta MAKALOVSKI Ismael MOHAMED Anthony RAMZY Christopher THEODORIDISPETROPOULOS Phillip VAIOPOULOS
QUICK STATS
joNATHaN BOUNAS MATURE beyond his years, the former Melbourne Heart youth proved to be a vital cog in the heart of midfield for Goran Lozanovski’s charges. A strong presence, Bounas is also equipped with excellent distribution.
2014 SEASON: 7th in NPL, Quarter Final in Dockerty Cup NPL: 10 wins, 6 draws, 10 losses, 38 goals for, 39 against, -1 goal difference Top goalscorer: Wade Dekker (9 goals)
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NORTH GEELONG warriors President: Andrew Jurković | Coach: Micky Čolina Home Ground: Elcho Park, Lara Media contact: Anthony Banovac | 0412202984 | anthonybanovac@gmail.com *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY ORIGINALLY named North Geelong Croatia, North Geelong Warriors Football Club was founded in 1967. Led by former A-League coach Branko Culina, the side won promotion into the Victorian Premier League in 1991, taking out the minor premiership and championship the following year.
THE YEAR PRIOR FOLLOWING a 17-year-absence, North Geelong Warriors returned to the state’s top flight in 2015. Micky Čolina took the reigns after former coach Ante Skoko stepped down in June. He led the side to 13 wins in his 16 games in charge, culminating promotion after a 1-0 win over St Albans Saints in the penultimate round of the NPL 1.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Michael ANDERSON Tonio BARESIC-NIKIC Vito SIMON CICHELLO Anthony BANOVAC Matija DRAGOVIC Michael GRGIC Juso JULARDZIJA Nicholas JURCIC Nikola JURKOVIC Darren LEWIS Nathan LONG Reardo LUKA Mark PALEKA Joshua PUGH Matthew TOWNLEY Tomislav TRBUHOVIC Robert ZADWORNY Daniel ZILIC Hamish FLAVELL
QUICK STATS
Robert Zadworny. THE number 10 arrived at the club in 2009, taking out the club’s Best and Fairest and top goalscorer accolades the following year. After missing most of 2013 through injury, the pacey winger retruned to full fitness in 2014, guiding the club to promotion.
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2014 SEASON: 2nd in NPL 1, Round of 32 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 17 wins, 1 draw, 8 losses 57 goals for, 20 against, +27 goal difference Top goalscorer: Mark Paleka (12 goals)
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OAKLEIGH cannons President: Stan Papayianneris | Coach: Miron Bleiberg Home Ground: Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh General manager and media contact: Aki Ionnas | 0418 550 033 | a.ionnas@bigpond.com | aki@mcclures.com.au *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY ORIGINALLY founded in 1972 as South Oakleigh Football Club, Oakleigh Cannons has been playing in Victoria’s top flight since 2004. Still chasing its elsuive first state title, Oakleigh has finished runner-up on three occassions, most recently in the inaugural 2014 PS4 NPL Victoria season.
THE YEAR PRIOR MIRON Bleiberg’s side finished the 2014 campaign as runners-up, seven points adrift of champions South Melbourne. But the side was impressive, playing good football and boasting the best attacking and defending records in the league. Over 26 games, they scored 61 times and conceded only 19 goals, giving them an average of 2.35 goals per game for, and 0.73 goals conceded.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Aron WILFORD Dominic D’ANGELO George KROMMIDAS Goran ZORIC Evan CHRISTODOULOU Brian VANEGA Kristopher KIOUSSIS Dean PIEMONTE Dusan BOSNJAK Adriano CHIAPPETTA Tremayne SADLER Lambros HONOS Louis PARASKEVAS John BLACK Ben CLARKE John HONOS Liam BOLAND Steve PANTELIDIS Jake McLEAN Adam LE CORNU
QUICK STATS
Dominic D’angelo D’ANGELO arrived at Oakleigh in 2014 and quickly solidified himself as one of the club’s most valuable players. The 28-year-old is one of the most versatile players at Bleiberg’s disposal, and was a key part of Oakleigh’s engine room in last year.
2014 SEASON: 2nd in NPL, Round 4 in Dockerty Cup NPL: 18 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses, 61 goals for, 19 against, +42 goal difference Top goalscorer: Dean Piemonte (16 goals)
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PASCOE VALE President: Jim Tona | Coach: Vitale Ferrante Home Ground: CB Smith Reserve, Fawkner Media contact: Athena Babo | pascoevalesoccerclub@gmail.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY PASCOE Vale Soccer Club was formed in 1965 by a group of immigrants from the town of Nizopole and joined the VSF (FFV) the following year. The club was used as a vehicle to keep the community together through football. Today, it is now one of the largest clubs in the north,with strong council and local government relationships in place.
THE YEAR PRIOR A mid-table finish welcomed Pascoe Vale at the conclusion of the 2014 NPL season, with the eighth-place a vast improvement on its tenthplace finish the year prior. After consolidating over the last two years, Vitale Ferrante’s side will be aiming to use that as a strong platform for its third consecutive year in the top flight.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Stefaan SARDELIC Tomislav MILARDOVIC Alvaro CARRILLO Adrian TALARICO Mark PISTININZI Michael FERRANTE Carl RECCHIA Davey VAN’T SCHIP Joseph YOUSSEF Jake NAKIC Adam NAKIC Thomas BLACK Luca SANTILLI Matthew LAZARIDES Alistair DUNLOP Alexander PAVLIDIS Nathen MEGIC Connor KASS Jake HALLIDAY Matthew LAURIA
QUICK STATS
JONATHON VOULGARIS MAINLY deployed as a right winger, Voulgaris is a creative outlet capable of playing right across midfield. Quick across the park, Voulgaris is eqipped with a dangerous ball and he ability to turn a game.
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2014 SEASON: 8th in NPL, Round 4 in Dockerty Cup NPL: 9 wins, 7 draws, 10 losses, 30 goals for, 34 against, -4 goal difference Top goalscorer: Jake Nakic (11 goals)
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PORT MELBourne President: Nicki Zapantis | Coach: Eric Vassiliadis Home Ground: JL Murphy Reserve, Port Melbourne Media contact: Shaun Moran | 0405 241 966 | sdmoran88@yahoo.com.au *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY FORMED in 1968-69 by Greek immigrants, the club steadily grew throughout the 1970s and 1980s, largely playing the state’s lower leagues before gaining promotion to the Victorian Premier League in 1994. Between 1994 and 2003, Port Melbourne won two minor premierships without claiming the big prize in the grand final.
THE YEAR PRIOR PORT MELBOURNE narrowly escaped relegation with a 95th minute equalizer from Connor Reddan on the final day. The dramatic 1-1 draw with Werribee City gave them enough to escape relegation and finish the season just one point above the drop zone. Had they lost that game, they would have gone down due to a poorer goal difference.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Michael STARK Conor REDDAN Trent RIXON Timothy PATON Chris GROSSMAN Andrew VIOLA Kamal IBRAHIM James RICCOBENE Alan KEARNEY Erhan YALAZ Ryan OPPERMANN Nicholas KROUSORATIS Andrew MILICEVIC Stjepan GAL Nick TZOULIS Brent FISHER Shaun KELLY Josh WILKINS Julius DAVIES Lisandro PAZ
QUICK STATS
KAMAL IBRAHIM THE former Melbourne Heart and AIS product was a shining light in an otherwise unimpressive year for Port Melbourne. The busy winger exceeded on all fronts with electrifying pace, quick feet and skill in the final third.
2014 SEASON: 11th in NPL, Round 4 Dockerty Cup NPL: 7 wins, 7 draws, 12 losses 33 goals for, 47 against, -14 goal difference Goals: Kevin Braniff and Lampros Honos (5)
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SOUTH MELBourne President: Leo Athanasakis | Coach: Chris Taylor Home Ground: Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park Media contact: George Kouroumalis | 03 9645 9797 | multimedia@smfc.com.au *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY ESTABLISHED in 1959, South Melbourne FC is Australia’s most successful club, having captured nine state league championships and four national titles. In 2000, South represented the Ocenia Confederation at the World Club Championship in Brazil, playing against the likes of Manchester United. Ten years later, the club was named as the OFC’s Club of the Century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics.
THE YEAR PRIOR SOUTH Melbourne added a ninth State League title to its cabinet in 2014, finishing seven points clear of second place in a near perfect campaign. Chris Taylor’s side were then once again welcomed on the national stage, reaching the semi-final of the NPL Finals series.
MAN TO WATCH Andy Brennan JOINING 2014 Gold Medal and Golden Boot winner Milos Lujic in attack, the Tasmanian comes back to Melbourne with a frightening reputation, bagging 25 goals last season for South Hobart. This is the second stint in Victoria for the 21-year-old, having played for Bentleigh in 2013.
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SQUAD* Shpetim MALA Michael EAGAR Bonel OBRADOVIC Nicholas EPIFANO Milos LUJIC David STIRTON Bradley NORTON Iqbal JAWADI Dane MILOVANOVIC Cody MARTINDALE Peter GAVALAS Nikola ROGANOVIC Andrija KECOJEVIC Leigh MINOPOULOS Stephen HATZIKOSTAS Mathew THEODORE Kristian KONSTANTINIDIS Andy BRENNAN Jake BARKER-DAISH Luke ADAMS
QUICK STATS 2014 SEASON: 1st in NPL, Quarter Final in Dockerty Cup NPL: 21 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses 59 goals for, 22 against, +37 goal difference Top goalscorer: Milos Lujic (22 goals)
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WERRIBEE city President: Giovanni Inserra | Coach: Nino Ragusa Home Ground: Galvin Park, Weribee Media contact: Jayne Klapsas | 0401 679 805 | werribeecityfc@iscw.com.au *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY WERRIBEE City F.C was founded in 1969 by the local Italian community of Werribee, and is now a part of the Italian Sports Club of Werribee Inc. The club is proud of its heritage and the diversity that it has introduced to the local community. Its mission statement focuses on the continued efforts to promote the opportunities of sport, particularly soccer, to individuals and the wider community.
THE YEAR PRIOR WERRIBEE fate came down to the final day of the season in 2014, and it survived after earning a point against Port Melbourne. Aside from a theatrical round 26 showdown, Werribee failed to replicate its promising start to the season, finishing two points above safety, and the second-worst goal difference in the NPL.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Ryan FILIPOVIC Steven CUDRIG Arturo YMERI Robert NAUMOSKI Daniel CHAABANI Anthony RAGUSA Julien CASSANO Bobby VIDANOSKI Angus MARTIN Simon ZAPPIA Michael SIMMS Milan SAVIC Frano SARIC Simon COLOSIMO Josh JOKIC Nicola CARAFIGLIO Evan BATSIS
QUICK STATS
simon colosimo THE 26-year-old former Socceroo and championship winning A-League centre-half returns to the NPL with Werribee City after spending half of 2014 with GVS. Werribee will be hoping the 36-year-old Colosimo can add some stability to the ranks.
2014 SEASON: 12th in NPL, Round of 16 in Dockerty Cup NPL: 8 wins, 4 draws, 14 losses 29 goals for, 50 against, -21 goal difference Top goalscorer: Steven Cudrig (5 goals)
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BOX HILL united President: Alex Palmos | Coach: Alfredo Constantino Home Ground: Wembley Park, Box Hill Media contact: Nicholas Tsiaras | 0419 302 706 | nick@boxhillunited.com.au *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY SINCE 2010, the club has steadily established itself into the top echelons of Victorian football. Box Hill continues in its ethos of promoting and encouraging youth in a progressive and inclusive club environment. A proud history since its foundation in 1922, the club aims to be a welcoming environment for visitors off the pitch, but is hungry for success on it.
THE YEAR PRIOR BOX HILL United finished an impressive third in 2014, only four points adrift of promotion. They did it playing their trademark brand of attractive, possession-based, attacking football. This year is expecting a challenging year in 2015, needing to consolidate with a new coach and some major changes to the playing roster, having lost some big names to other NPL clubs.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Stanislav GOLDBERG Luca PRESUTTI Patrick THIAKANE Alexander CONNELL Adrian DEL MONACO Alexander SCHROEN Jarrod DEL MONACO Aaron PORCARO Christian LAR Imran SANKOH Nikola SURDOSKI Sevag GHAZARIAN Joey CALDERONE Michael GODFREY Frac CARAFA Lucas JOHNS Jhoan BARRERO Travis CHALK-HATTON Girolamo COSTANZA Caleb LUDLOW Sam GRIGG
QUICK STATS
Patrick Thiakane THIAKANE arrives to Box Hill after playing semiprofessionally for a number of years in France. Quick, skillful and adept with both feet, the attacker is comfortable as either a number ten or as striker and is expected to deliver a touch of class to the pacy forwards at the club.
2014 SEASON: 3rd in NPL 1, Dockerty Cup Round 4. NPL 1: 14 wins, 6 draws, 6 losses, 48 goals for, 23 against, +25 goal difference. Top goalscorer: Rinor Muriqi (15 goals)
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DANDENONg CITY President: George Sabljak | Coach: Aaron Healey Home Ground: Frank Holohan Soccer Complex Media contact: Paul Robic | 0422 902 079 | paulrobic@hotmail.com *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY IN 2008 Dandenong City Soccer Club merged with Chelsea Hajduk Soccer Club, basing itself at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex in Endeavour Hills. The club has one of the most prestigious youth production lines in the state, laying claim to 2015 Asian Cup squad member Eugene Galekovic, and former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic to name a few. In 2011 the club was crowned champions of Victorian State League Division 2 South East.
THE YEAR PRIOR DANDENONG’S first season in the inaugural NPL saw it finish in a disappointing thenth place. The club has however re-signed 2014 NPL1 Player of the Year Sean Seavill who re-committed for the 2015 PS4 NPL 1 East campaign.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Damir SALCIN Alex ROJAS John CARROLL Keegan ZIADA Dario MATKOVIC Ashley CATTERMOLE Shaun FILIPOVIC Goran JOZELJIC David DI LORIO Simon STOREY Daniel BUHIC Chris SANITA Senahid TOKALIC Raymond LAY Anthony CASSET Robert WYNNE Bradley CLARKE Andres JEREZ Ricardo GONZALES
QUICK STATS
dario matkovic MATKOVIC is a former Melbourne Knights NSL midfielder and returns to Dandenong City after a solid 2014. The creative midfielder was City’s top goalscorer last year, managing to net 12 goals from the middle of the park.
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2014 SEASON: 10th in NPL 1, Round 3 of the Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 9 wins, 5 draws, 12 losses 46 goals for, 54 against, -8 goal difference Top goalscorer: Dario Matkovic (12 goals)
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EASTERN LIONS President: Norm Wilcox | Coach: Jimmy Williams Home Ground: Gardiners Reserve, Burwood Media contact: John McPhee | 0407 899 994 | jmcphee@johnslyng.com.au *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY NOW in its 53rd year, Eastern Lions has the spent majority of its history competing throughout State League Divison Two, and most recently in State League One. Originally named as Waverley City, the club has spent its entire history playing in the FFV.
THE YEAR PRIOR EASTERN Lions roared to promotion last season, taking out the State League One SouthEast title with a better defensive record than most NPL teams. The occassion marked Eastern Lion’s seocnd league crown in three years, with coach Jimmy Williams incorporating a successful mix of youth and experience. The club could have been another fairytale story in the FFA Cup. but was knocked by qualifiers St Albans snatched victory in the final minutes.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Christopher PAGE Philip AJAO Munyaradzi NYADZAYO Matthew PARRY Mitchell BEAMISH William ELLIS Louis RAZUKI Thomas FALCONER Jarrah CLEAR Jordan HORN Shaun KENNY Andrew LIGHTFOOT David McKESSY Cameron PAIN Ziggy RAZUKI Daniel RODRIGUES Andrew WILLIAMS Yianni FROSSYNOS Robert HAVERCROFT Mohammed FOFANAH Yianni TOUMANIDIS
QUICK STATS
ANDREW LIGHTFOOT ARRIVING to Eastern Lions as 15-year-old, the goalkeeper progressed through the ranks to now be the club’s number one ‘keeper. A tall and strong shotstopper, Lightfoot played a pivotal role in a tremendous defensive record on 2014.
2014 SEASON: 1st in State One South-East, Round of 32 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 18 wins, 8 draws, 4 losses 44 goals for, 17 against, +25 goal difference Top goalscorer: Philip Ajao (20 goals)
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Goulburn Valley Suns President: Geoff Dobson | Coach: David Davkovski Home Ground: McEwan Reserve, Shepparton Media contact: Michael Crisera | 0427 239 871 | mickcrisera@hotmail.com *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY FOUNDED in 2013, Goulburn Valley Suns became one of the two regional clubs to compete in the inaugural National Premier League. The region has a proud footballing history, having developed a number of notable footballers over the yeras. The Shepparton-based club struggled during its debut season, accumulating ten points in 2014, finishing last on the table.
THE YEAR PRIOR DESPITE starting 2014 with a list of former big-name players like Kristian Sarkies and Naum Sekulovski, the Suns struggled in their debut year. Forwards Craig Carley and Ben Clarke were the only shining lights in an otherwise difficult season for the regional side, who were relegated with four rounds to spare.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Nikolaos KALAFATIS Craig CARLEY Phillip PETROVSKI Connor CAMPBELL Jake KEATING Cody SELLWOOD Greg NASH Jamie ENGLAND Naum SEKULOVSKI Riley HAMILTON Justin CIRILLO Declo BISIMWA Joseph HOGARTY Jordan MONTAGNER Sean ELLIS Vladimir KOSOVAC Fahad ALGHAZALY Shaun KANE Liam MOLLER Adam SCOTT
QUICK STATS
Craig Carley ONE of the few positives to come out of 2014 for Goulburn Valley was striker Craig Carley. The diminutive striker was lethal in front of goal, leading from the front, and bagging 14 goals in the process, the fourth most in the competition.
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2014 SEASON: 14th in NPL NPL 1: 2 wins, 4 draws, 20 losses 27 goals for, 75 against, -48 goal difference Top goalscorer: Craig Carley (14 goals)
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KINGSTON CITY President: Con Nitsikas | Coach: Nick Tolios Home Ground: The Grange Reserve, Clayton Media contact: Con Nitsikas | 0409 799 948 | con@westarfinance.com.au *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY THE club was established in 1974 in the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Clarinda by members of the local Greek Australian community. Originally called Liverpool Soccer Club, in 1982 the club moved to its current home ground, The Grange in the neighbouring suburb of Clayton South, Victoria, and in 1998 was renamed Kingston City Soccer Club. In 2006, Kingston City were Victorian Premier League finalists.
THE YEAR PRIOR AN inconsistent 2014 saw Kingston City finish the year in eighth position. Nick Toloios’ side showed plenty of promise in the final third, booting 54 goals, led by Max Etheridge and Gino Defeo who both registered in double figures.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Nicholas STAMATIOU Peter KOUNDANIS Nicholas MODAFFARI Nicholas TEICHMANN James KARVELIS Kemal CURAN Stelios KONSTANTINIDIS Benjamin OSEI-SAFO Sean McILROY Jamie DE SMIT George STAVRIDIS Andrew DOIG Fraser MACLAREN Laurent CORALIE Gino DEFEO Tasos AGAPITOS Johnny ANDRINOPOULOS Damian IACONIS Joshua KWEIFIO-OKAI Douglas LINDBERG Deniz SABANOVSKI
QUICK STATS
James Karvelis A classy and reliable defender, the former South Melbourne and Melbourne Victory youth has committed to Kingston for another season. The centre half is an exceptional reader of the game and is just as comfortable with the ball at his feet.
2014 SEASON: 8th in NPL 1, Round 4 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 11 wins, 2 draws, 13 losses 54 goals for, 46 against, +8 goal difference Top goalscorer: Max Etheridge (15 goals)
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MELBOURNE VICTORY Chairman: Anthony Di Pietro | Coach: John Aloisi Media contact: Andrew Holmes | 0411 024 405 | aholmes@mvfc.com.au *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY DERIVED from of the National Youth League team, Melbourne Victory begins a new era competing in the state’s premier competition. With an existing NYL title to its name, Melbourne enter the NPL with the aim of producing first team footballers - as well as being able to have up to 46 talented young players involved in its training and playing programs for up to 12 months. A host of talented names have emerged from Melbourne’s youth ranks, including the likes of Socceroos Mitch Langerak and Connor Pain as well as an established A-League contingent. A young squad in comparison to most, coach John Aloisi’s list is complied of the 2013 NTC championship winning side and star youngsters across last season’s NPL. The side has had a difficult time in the NYL in 2014/15, struggling to find any consistency and currently sit in sixth spot.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Andre JANNESE Andre MCNAMARA Anthony DUZEL Brendan GONANO Christian CAVALLO Damien MISKULIN George HOWARD Joseph KATEBIAN John MACLEAN Jonathan VAKIRTZIS Kieran DOVER Lucas DERRICK Lucas SPINELLA Milos RIDESIC Nicholas GLAVAN Patrick AVICE Reeve CALDECOURT Stefan NIGRO Thomas DENG Thomas LAKIC
QUICK STATS
joey katebian THE forward dominated NPL1 last season, sharing the Golden Boot with Richmond’s Tom Cahill after amassing 26 goals. Making the switch to Victory’s youth team, the Katebian has continued his impressive form throughout the National Youth League.
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N/A
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MURRAY UNITED President: Mark Byatt | Coach: Mick Richards Home Ground: La Trobe University Playing Fields, Wodonga Media contact: Daniel Pendleton | 0432 714 741 | dpendleton@wodongatafe.edu.au *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY MURRAY United was born from a passion in the development of football in rural Victoria and New South Wales, where the club was established in 2014 for the purposes of participating in the Victorian NPL. Based in Albury-Wodonga, Murray United represents the region of Victoria’s North East as well as the New South Wales Riverina. Murray’s vision is to develop talented players and provide opportuities for them to excel and represent the region at the highest levels of the game. It’s a region which has been yearning for a team to compete in the upper tiers of the Australian football pyramid. It has a history of producing talented footballers, with Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson just one to come out of the region, along with Melbourne City forward Josh Kennedy.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Josh FLUSS Benjamin RUSSELL Dylan BALMFORTH Daniel CISNEROS James COUTTS Jayson FERGUSON Ryan GILES Benjamin CHAFFEY Mathew HASLER Michael JESSUP Hudson MAGERSTEIN Daniel MILLYNN Joshua MULCAHY Hussein NTAKIRUTIMANA Joshua O’BRIEN Sean PYE Kade RIXON Jesse STEPHENS Zac WALKER Adam WALTERS
QUICK STATS
Zac Walker 22-YEAR-OLD Walker joins Murray United after a devestating season with local side Twin City Wanderers. booting a record 42 goals last season - 15 short of his own league record. The forward has also played in the VPL with Dandenong Thunder and Oakleigh Cannons.
N/A
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NUNAWADING city President: Arthur Kioussis | Coach: Nick Dimitrakis Home Ground: Mahoneys Reserve, Forest Hill Media contact: Leo Bevacqua | 0432 481 620 | lbev@bigpond.net.au *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY NUNAWADING were awarded an NPL licence in 2014, with the club officially to commence its involvment in 2015. The club has a committed focus and pioneering success in youth development, most recently producing Young Socceroo and Liverpool signing Jake Brimmer. Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou actually had a hand in the club’s development of its junior structure..
THE YEAR PRIOR DESPITE finishing last in State League Two South-East last season, 2015 presents a new challenge for the club. With an exceptional accademy and reputation in developing young players, the club’s vision is to be recognised as a Development Centre of Excellence.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Keegan COULTER Peter EVANGELAKOS Trung LUU Ben ROBINSON Spencer EGAN-TANNER Anthony GIANNOPOULOS Sam MAZZOLINI Stefan PAPAGEORGIOU Ivan SKORICH Ming-En CUI David MOROVIC Jack GOW Daniel PATTERSON David ANTEQUERA Leon ANEZAKIS Jack LOUZIOTIS Jordan TEMPLIN Jon-Luc SILVESTRI Christopher GURR Ethan MCGLINCHEY
QUICK STATS
jordan templin IN his second year as Nunawading City, the 19-year-old Templin has been appointed captain 2015, recognising both his football and leadership qualities. The attacker’s development has already seen him attract overseas attention.
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2014 SEASON: 12th in State League Two South-East, Round 4 of the Dockerty Cup State League Two: 1 wins, 4 draws, 17 losses, 31 goals for, 67 against, -36 goal difference. Top goalscorer: Jon-Luc Silvestri (7 goals)
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RICHMOND SC President: David Foster | Coach: Rick Mensink Home Ground: Kevin Bartlett Reserve, Richmond Media contact: John Petropoulos | 0413 095 632 | yannipetrop@gmail.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY ESTABLISHED more than 60 years ago by German immigrants, Richmond SC is a team with a proud history in Victorian football. The side enjoyed a lengthy spell in the state’s top flight, winning the Victorian Premier League in 2010 before relegated to the second tier in 2013.
THE YEAR PRIOR RICHMOND fell four points adrift of promotion last season, finishing 2014 in fourth spot after an inconsistent start to the year. Coach Rich Mensink took the reigns midway through the season after Richmond parted ways with ex-Victory player Grant Brebner. Mensink turned around a sinking ship, steering the side to fourth spot, while playing some good football in the process, and easily matching it with the top teams in the competition.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Christian ROSSI Matthew WATERS Josh VALADON Andrew GOFF Peter SAWAN Hamlet ARMENIAN Joshua KNIGHT Thomas CAHILL Matthew COLLIER Michael CATALANO Liam FLYNN Samuel CATHERINE Mate ETEROVIC Andrew SKOULLOS Ryan LAMBERT Daniel PIOVESAN Christopher DAVIS Timmy PURCELL Michael GROENEWALD Jay KELLY
QUICK STATS
Tom Cahill FRESH off a contract extension, Cahill claimed the league’s Players’ Player Award for the season which also saw him share the Golden Boot with 26 goals. Agressive from the front, the Englishman’s capability is second to none.
2014 SEASON: 4th in NPL 1, Quarter Final in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 15 wins, 3 draws, 8 losses 62 goals for, 42 against, +19 goal difference Top goalscorer: Tom Cahill (26 goals)
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SPRINGVALE white eagles President: Peter Veljovic (acting) | Coach: Zlatko Mihajlovic Home Ground: White Eagles Stadium, Keysborough Media contact: Peter Veljovic | 0417 509 525 | Peter.Veljovic@tal.com.au *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY BASED in Keysborough, Springvale’s objective since obtaining an NPL license has been to promote and develop youth. So far, they’ve done just that. They’ve unearthed talent which has already attracted attention elsewhere. Boasting one of the youngest squads across the NPL, the club is aiming to provide a stable foundation to work with in 2015 and beyond.
THE YEAR PRIOR 2014 marked the first year of a prolonged strategy to ensure Springvale White Eagles FC is successful in the NPL and in the years to come. With one of the youngest squads in the NPL, 2014 proved to be a difficult campaign for Springvale, who finished the season in 12th spot. Despite this, their kids proved to be a shining light and will continue to impress this year.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Nebojsa VUJIC Zarko MILOJEVIC Slavisa SARIC Stojan MILOJEVIC Simo JOVANOVIC Stephane LEBLOND Sebastian LECAROS CAMPOSANO Hernan DE RITO Dejan ERAKOVIC Keletso MTHEMBU Hamish MILLAR Abel FESSEHA Scott MILLAR Nemanja SALAMANDIC Vedran TANASIC Jordan BALLERINI Marcus HOLMES Ryan ANTHONEY DON PAUL Jamie DE SMIT Milan JOVANOVIC
QUICK STATS
STOJAN MILOJEVIC A versitle, strong, mobile and courageous player, the utility is capable of playing in any role, leading from the fore. White Eagles are predicting a successful 2015 with its talisman on the pitch.
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2014 SEASON: 12th in NPL 1, Round of 16 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 7 wins, 3 draws, 16 losses 44 goals for, 63 against, -19 goal difference Top goalscorer: Vojislav Milojevic (10 goals)
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BALLARAT red devils Chairman: Duncan Smith | Coach: James Robinson Home Ground: Morshead Park Stadium, Ballarat Media contact: Duncan Smith | 0409 535 259 | duncans@ballaratreddevils.com.au *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY THE club was established in 1968, playing the first of its six seasons at Llanberris Park Reserve before movingto Trekardo Park in 1973. Ballarat joined the inaugural NPL competition last season following the $15 million redevelopment of Morshead Park Stadium. The stadium now boasts one of the best surfaces in Victoria. Ballarat has won three lower-league titles in its history, the last of which in 2007.
THE YEAR PRIOR THE Red Devils were painstakingly relegated on the final day of the 2015 NPL competition following a 2-0 defeat to Oakleigh Cannons. Despite a late season revival, the odds seamed to have consipred against the Red Devils with a stoppage time equaliser - in another fixture sinking James Robinson’s side.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Miles BAKER Adrian CURTAIN James DOWNEY Callum FERGUSON Daniel FIRTH Liam HARDING Patrick KARRAS Charles KING David KING Scott LAMONT Simon MURPHY Aaron ROMEIN Joshua ROMEIN Shaun ROMEIN Nelson SALVATORE Dominic SWINTON Daniel TINKER Michael TRIGGER Michael MULLINS James KING
QUICK STATS
Jimmy downey BALLARAT’S prized signing arrives following spells in the A-League with Perth Glory, North Queensland and Wellington Pheonox. Capable as either a winger or full back, Downey has represented Australia at U20s level.
2014 SEASON: 13th in NPL 1, Round 3 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 8 wins, 3 draws, 15 losses 40 goals for, 51 against, -11 goal difference Top goalscorer: Paul Harvey (8 goals)
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BENDIGO city fc President: Corey Scoble | Coach: Greg Thomas Home Ground: Epsom Soccer Complex, Bendigo Media contact: Louise McColl | 0406 397 984 | admin@bendigocityfc.com.au *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY A NEW addition to the NPL1 set-up in 2015, Bendigo City FC succeeds FC Bendigo as the region’s NPL side. The club has risen from the ashes and as such, is a new entity, starting from scatch this year. Bendigo City has has received an enourmous amount of community support to ensure the club will be different to its former iteration. Technical director Fabrizio Soncin - former Melbourne Victory Women’s and Bulleen Lions coach - and the senior squad have moved to Bendigo embracing the club’s local brand. With backing from the Bendigo Bank and City of Greater Bendigo, preparations are in full swing to ensure the world game is alive and kicking at the highest level in Central Victoria. The side has instilled a local philosophy, and has publicly stated they want the squad to live and work in Bendigo.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Gian MARCO D’ORIO Riley DILLON Jason SHADE Rylan SADLER Daniel REES Corey SLEVIN Karl SLEVIN George MCHEILEH George SLEFENDORFAS Jordan SEETO Prince QUANSAH Greg THOMAS Daniel PURDY Keegan SMYTH Godwill BASHA Josh DWYER St. Ares GILARDI Joseph WILLIAMS Sam SCOBLE Ehsoo SHE
QUICK STATS
corey slevin RECRUITED from Brisbane’s Premier League, Slevin arrives with an impressive CV having played for Australia at U17s level. Corey signs alongside brother Karl, with the duo adding some fire power to Bendigo’s list.
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N/A
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BRUNSWICK city President: Peter Kryiopoulos | Coach: Jason Farrugia Home Ground: Dunstan Reserve, Brunswick Media contact: info@brunswickcitysc.com.au *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY FOUNDED in 1970 for recreational purposes, Brunswick City has grown immensely to become of the biggest clubs in the northern suburbs. Now competing in the NPL, Brunswick City’s key philosophy involves youth development which it aims to feed through the club’s ranks to ensure it stays competitive, and ensures longterm success on the pitch.
THE YEAR PRIOR 2014 was a consolidation year for the club, focussing its efforts on improving the infrastructure and foundations at the club, to help implement its philosophy in 2015 and beyond. The squad struggled in the league, only amassing ten points in 2014, scoring an average of a goal a game, but conceding almost an average of four goals a game.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* George MARKELIS Dimitri VITHOULKAS Ahmet TURER James DUVCEVSKI Jack DOVEY Yack BOL Lucas AOUN Michael VARKOPOULOS Jose PORTILLO Anthony LANCHELLO Alessandro VERRATTI Fasile ADEN Matthew MURONE Cameron WILLIAMS Joshua D’MONTE Kouat MANON Damir MARUSIC Amara KROMAH Matthew MURPHY Jack CAMINITI
QUICK STATS
Jose Portillo PORTILLO, while unbeknownst to some, is a striker who comes to Brunswick City with an excellent touch. Coming from a futsal background, he he is excellent on the ball in tight areas and has great vision, as well as the ability to score.
2014 SEASON: 14th in NPL 1, Round 4 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 3 wins, 1 draws, 22 losses 47 goals for, 25 against, +22 goal difference Top goalscorer: Dimitri Vithoulkas (5 goals)
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fc BULLEEN lions NPL Chairperson: Karyn Barrasso | Coach: Dominic Barba Home Ground: David Barro Stadium, Bulleen Media contact: Karen Daley | 03 9850 4121 | fcblions@venetoclub.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY SINCE the mid-1970’s when the first Bulleen squad was assembled wearing the Maroon and Gold, the Veneto Club has been the spiritual home of football in Bulleen. Despite going through a number of name changes over its history, FC Bulleen Lions continues to thrive with record player participation and superb playing facilities.
THE YEAR PRIOR FC BULLEEN LIONS found the back of the net the most times out of any NPL club competing across the state, scoring 64 goals over the course of the 2014 campaign Joey Katebian - now at Melbourne Victory netted 25 of those goals, the equal most in the competition. The side’s goalscoring prowess was a testament to the attractive brand of football it played.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Eli LUTTMER Dean ROMAS Andrew MULLETT William ABBOTT Samuel BORGHESI Lewis WADDELL Matthew BANOVIC Luke GALLO Matteo BALLAN Bardhi HYSOLLI Takanori NISHIMOTO Gianna DE NITTIS Matthew DIMECH Dean LORENZI Edison PONARI Joshua SABIDUSSI Dylan BRESOLIN Billy ROMAS Anton NADELLA Felix ROSMAN Raza HUSSAINI James CONVERSANO
QUICK STATS
TAKANORI nishimoto QUICK and dangerous in the final third, the midfielder has developed a reputation as one of the most devastating players in the league. The Japanese maestro played a role in a number of goals for his side last year, whether it be conjuring chances or finding the back of the net.
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2014 SEASON: 5th in NPL 1, Round of 16 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 13 wins, 5 draws, 8 losses, 64 goals for, 42 against, +22 goal difference. Top goalscorer: Joey Katebian (26 goals)
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MELBOUrnE CITY Chairman: Khaldoon Al Mubarak | Coach: TBA Media contact: Julius Ross | 0400 731 427 | julius.ross@melbournecityfc.com.au *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY MELBOURNE City will kick off its 2015 NPL 1 campaign primed for success. The side is currently perched on top of the Foxtel National Youth League table, having won nine of its fifteen games, and scoring the most goals in the NYL. Former Northcote youngster Wade Dekker leads the goalscoring charts this season with nine goals to his name. What is not yet known is who will be coaching Melbourne City in the NPL, with Joe Palatsides not announced to be at the helm. The side recently put out advertisements looking for a new boss to lead the side, with applications recently closing. One thing that is certain is that whoever takes charge at Melbourne City will have one of the most talented groups of youngsters in Australian history to work with, largely plucked from last year’s NPL.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Nicholas SYMEOY Hernan ESPINDOLA Wade DEKKER Marko STEVANJA Tyler JAMES Philip PETRESKI Luka PRELEVIC Anthony RIZK Yaren SOZER Matthew MILLAR Baki EFE Haris STAMBOULIDIS Anthony TARANTO Leo ATHANASIOU Stefan ZINNI Trey O’SULLIVAN Tomislav FADLJEVIC Joseph MONEK Luke GALLO Michael YOSESKI
Ratip CILELI
QUICK STATS
WADE DEkker FORMER Northcote City striker Wade Dekker has had a breakout season in the NYL this year, scoring nine goals in 15 games. He had a similarly strong year in the 2014 NPL, managing nine goals for Northcote as the side finished in seventh spot.
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MORELAND CITY President: Albert McCormack | Coach: Adrian Mathers Home Ground: Campbell Reserve, Coburg Media contact: Pedro Fric | 0409 401 369 | julubi08@gmail.com *Squad a draft and not submitted for player points regulations evaluation at time of writing
A BRIEF HISTORY MORELAND City was established as Coburg in 1916, and is one of the oldest serving clubs under the Football Federation Victoria banner. A number of mergers between Coburg, Moreland and Park Rangers since 1916 has formed the club as it stands today, Moreland City Football Club. Moreland City has won four Dockerty Cups and have been runners up on three other occasions.
THE YEAR PRIOR IN 2014 Moreland City won its second straight championship, the latest of which in State League 1 North West resulting in an invitation to apply to join NPL1. City cleared Preston Lions by three points, securing its spot in NPL 1 on the final day of the season.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Ozan KARA Liam BRIAN Orhan KARA Nathan GOURZELAS Shane CARR Christopher NICHOLAS Muhammed KURUCU Kamer SIMSEK Thomas FRAWLEY Julien DOS SANTOS Gareth RICHARDS Liam FRANCIS Blaine BURRELL Quinn McDONALD Osman KOSE Ying CHEN Brandon GALGANO Richard FERGUSON Nejdet SAHIN Roberto BAZZANO
QUICK STATS
SHANE CARR THE midfielder arrived at Moreland in 2012, winning two league titles over the next two years. A combative midfielder, with an eye for goal, Carr wrote himself into the club’s folklore with back-to-back Best and Fairest awards.
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2014 SEASON: 1st in State League 1 NothWest, Round 4 in Dockerty Cup State League 1: 14 wins, 3 draws, 5 losses, 47 goals for, 26 against, +21 goal difference. Top goalscorer: Adam Orme (9 goals)
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MORELAND ZEBRAS President: Joseph Sala | Coach: Danny Gnijidic Home Ground: CB Smith Reserve, Fawkner Media contact: John Ruffino | 0418 121 125 | info@morelandzebras.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY FORMED in 1948, the club was a foundation member of the inaugural National Soccer League, competing under the name of Brunswick United Juventus. A series of mergers and name changes has seen the club re-branded throughout the years but nevertheless boasts a proud and successful history, incorporating one national league championship, nine state league titles and five Dockerty Cup crowns. The club too has been a famous breeding ground for Socceroos with Mark Bresciano and Paul Wade emerging through the ranks.
THE YEAR PRIOR 2014 marked a relatively modest season for Moreland as a slow start saw the Zebras eventuate to a seventh place finish, and relative mid-table obscurity.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Lucas RUFFINO Mile MEDJEDOVIC Joel NIKOLIC Simon SYMEOY Joshua McMONAGLE-IHASZ Adam CENTOFANTI Bradley MURRAY James PAPADIMITRIOU Aleksander STOJANOVSKI Danny CHARALAMBOUS Johnny CRIVELLI Steve MARTIN Daniel PETROV Kliment DIMITRIESKI Baggio YOUSIF Bale MICOVSKI Christopher TRIANTAFILOPOUS Adem TURCAN William NUTTALL Nikola KOSTADINOVSKI
QUICK STATS
kliment dimitrieski SIGNING for Moreland after a prolific 2014 with Whittlesea Ranges, the exciting talent bagged 10 goals in his inaugural NPL 1 campaign. Deployed largely as a number ten, Moreland is predicting a big 2014 with its new signing.
2014 SEASON: 7th in NPL 1, Round of 32 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 12 wins, 3 draws, 11 losses 45 goals for, 37 against, +8 goal difference Top goalscorer: Nick Symeoy (12 goals)
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ST ALBANS saints President: Ivan Maric | Coach: Joe Kovacevic Home Ground: Churchill Reserve, St Albans Media contact: Keti Barisic | 0423 962 752 | kbarisic@hotmail.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY A STALWART of Victorian football, St Albans has spent the majority of its existence competing across the state’s top tiers, with its 1998 Victorian Premier League premiership the club’s crowning achievement. Established by Croatian-Australians, the club has produced a host of successful players who have progressed to the elite level, including Tom Pondeljak and Branko Culina.
THE YEAR PRIOR FROM Victoria’s second tier to the national level, 2014 was a whirlwind year for the Saints, with the side’s biggest achievement a spot in the Round of 16 of the FFA Cup. A far cry from an underwhelming sixth place finish in NPL 1, St Albans was eliminated by A-League leaders Perth Glory in front of 3 500 spectators at Knights Stadium.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Stuart WEBSTER Barry DELVIN Nicholas SARBIN Daniel SWEENEY Trent WATERSON Ben SHARPER Ross HARVEY Anthony BORAS Nicholas SCERRI YUSUF YUSUF Konrad DOBRASZKIEWICZ Matko BUDIMIR Tedros YABIO Ante KOZUL Johnny SCOLLO Damien PETERS Michael PAUL Nana Yaw OTUO-ACHEAMPONG Chris SIKETA Ryan McGUFFIE
QUICK STATS
Ryan mcguffie THE Scot made a name for himself in his homeland, scoring in the 2006 Scottish Cup Final and playing in the country’s top flight. Signing for the club in 2014, he was appointed captain and led the club through its remarkable FFA Cup campaign.
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2014 SEASON: 6th in NPL 1, Round of 16 in FFA Cup. NPL 1: 14 wins, 4 draws, 8 losses, 46 goals for, 31 against, +15 goal difference. Top goalscorer: Barry Devlin (9 goals)
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SUNSHINE george cross President: Jamie Chetcuti | Coach: Tony Ciantar Home Ground: Chaplin Reserve, Sunshine Media contact: Rosemaree Wardle | 0428 685 465 | sgcfc@hotmail.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY THE product of Maltese immigrants in the 1940s, Sunshine George Cross spent several years in the National Soccer League, reaching the finals in 1984. An old powerhouse of Victorian football, the club has a proud history with one Australia Cup to its name, accompanying three Dockerty Cup championships and a Premier League crown in 1977 in its trophy cabinet.
THE YEAR PRIOR SUNSHINE had to settle for a middle-of-thetable finish in ninth spot, after a patchy 2014 campaign. Despite the side’s inconsistency, they scored more than a goal-and-a-half a game throughout the inaugural NPL season. 2015 presents a strong platform to consolidate and improve upon for Tony Ciantar’s side.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Slaven VRANESEVIC Bozidar LOJANICA Matthew OGHANNA Ziyad MARKOUS Jacob ATTARD Leon OSEI Robert SANTILLI Brandon ZAFFINA Martin MASON Christopher DIB Adamson AJAYI Samuel ANTONIADIS Anthony CASSAR Brandon SCERRI Eddie CETKIN Joseph SIEH Adrian LOGOZZO Christopher ANTONIADIS Damian RASTOCIC Baran KOCKAYA Nemanja LOJANICA Fabio Rogerio ALBUQUERQUE JUNIOR
QUICK STATS
rob santilli AN EXEMPLARY leader and commendable club man, the captain delivered a serviceable 2014 between the posts for his club. A goalkeeper with all the right attributes, Santilli’s experience has been vital for the younger members of the squad
2014 SEASON: 9th in NPL 1, Round 4 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 10 wins, 5 draws, 11 losses, 43 goals for, 55 against, -12 goal difference. Top goalscorer: Manuell Sadik (7 goals)
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WHITTLESEA ranges President: Sam Cuteri | Coach: Vinko Buljubasic Home Ground: Epping Stadium, Epping Media contact: Serge Costanzo | 0413 179 312 | costanzos@hotmail.com *Squads still subject to passing of player points regulations
A BRIEF HISTORY AFTER years of mergers and name changes since its establishment as Thomastown Epping Lalor SC in 1971, the board in 2009 decided to ensure that the history of the club would remain symbolic to the area, re-intoriducing the founding colours under the name Whittlesea Ranges FC.
THE YEAR PRIOR IN early 2014 Whittlesea Ranges FC was successful in obtaining a licence for the NPL, representing the northern corridor of Melbourne, and ensuring that a pathway would be created for up-and-coming elite players within the community. Whittlesea finished 2014 second-last on the NPL1 table, ahead of Brunswick City. Despite finishing on top of them, Brunswick was the Ranges’ bogey team, losing both encounters.
MAN TO WATCH
SQUAD* Gian TAPIA Dianoush RASOULZADEH-SEYSAN Andrew TAYLOR Daniel SOTIROPOULOS Mohamed MOHAMED Sami NOUR Mario PIRAINO Stefan BARICEVIC Daniel PELUSO Matthew IULIANO Matthew CUNDARI Adem MUSTEDANAGIC Pavle DURKIC Rami MUSTAFOSKI John REALE Matthew KUNDEVSKI Daniel GICEVSKI Ridvan SAGLAM Damien MORELL Atilla OFIL
QUICK STATS
Giosue (Jo) Tolomeo BORN in Germany from an Italian background, the 20-year-old arrives to the NPL from lower league German outfit FV Löchgau. Recruited as one of Whittlesea’s internationals, the striker will be expected to deliver goals that were missing for Rangers last season.
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2014 SEASON: 13th in NPL 1, Round of 32 in Dockerty Cup NPL 1: 6 wins, 4 draws, 16 losses 38 goals for, 69 against, -31 goal difference Top goalscorer: Kliment Dimitrieski (10)
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