2009 TeleChoice Premier League Media launch a success

The fine surroundings set the tone for a competition that continues to develop, whilst the professional approach by each club and their representatives epitomises the magnitude of what is the TeleChoice Premier League.
2009 promises to provide an evenly matched playing field with no clear outright favourite in the lead-up to Round 1.
The usual suspects in Bankstown City, Sydney United, Marconi Stallions and Sydney Olympic start each season with a strong case for a tilt at the title, though the consistency of Manly United and Sutherland Sharks state their own claims for a strong League run.
Let?s look at the twelve TeleChoice Premier League clubs in the final week leading up to kick-off. 
BANKSTOWN CITY LIONS
Last season?s disappointments seem to be forgotten by the club and supporters as Peter Tsekenis and Peter Papoythis attempt to rekindle the joys, and successes, of this club in the TeleChoice Premier League. The additions of Tallan Martin, Samuel Mort and Salameh Hussein to a strike-force that lacked the ?killer-instinct? last season promise to spear-head the Lions to more goals in 2009.
A steady backline with the experience of Peter Tsekenis calling the shots, and George Nohra pulling the strings in midfield, Bankstown City has a well-balanced squad with a lot of depth. Robert Mileski will use his Sydney FC experience to good effect as he returns to the play-maker role for Bankstown City, meanwhile the safe hands, and experience, of Zlatko Joseski set expectations high amongst the supporters.
Bankstown City Lions? President Alex Subeski is hopeful of a much more successful League campaign in 2009:
?I won?t make any promises as I did last year and then we didn?t make the finals. I do believe though that with the good work of both Tsekenis and Papoythis, along with the players that we have added, that we will be in the top-five this season.?
BLACKTOWN CITY DEMONS
The Blacktown City Demons cannot wait for the competition to kick-off as the players, and coaching staff, are eager to quash the disappointments of 2008 with a strong showing this season.
Coach Ken Schembri has assembled a good mix of youth and experience to the group, led bravely by experienced defender Luke Casserly. A mix of injuries and inexperienced players, along with financial trouble, led the normally consistent title contender to a season of poor results, though the main ambition for Ken Schembri?s side is to return challenging for the title.
?We had a really difficult 2008. Blacktown City?s financial issues were well documented, though this is a new season and I have a good feeling about the group of players that we have assembled,? Schembri commented.
One of the players to watch, pointed out by Schembri, is striker Nick Sama.
?He is a fantastic addition to this side. His ability on the ball, composure and good vision; he will certainly be someone that we will look to for goals this season, and I feel he has a lot to offer to this team.?
Experienced defender Luke Casserly is also eagerly anticipating the start of the season, the former Socceroo confident he and his teammates can lead the Demons back to a competitive force:
?Blacktown City is a very proud club with a big history. The club had some issues last season though we are all looking forward to a big 2009. Personally, I have not enjoyed a pre-season as much as I have this year; there really is a good feel amongst all the boys so I really do believe that we can get this team back to where it belongs – in the top-five.?
BONNYRIGG WHITE EAGLES
Bonnyrigg White Eagles last played in the Premier League competition in 2005 before three years in the Super League. Much is expected of the White Eagles in 2009, and with a huge supporter base and some important additions to their playing roster, Bonnyrigg may well be the ?under dog? this season.
Experienced boss Blagoja Kuleski has built a solid squad in recent years and with the additions of Milorad Simonovic from Sydney Olympic, Tayfun Devrimol from Bankstown City and PCYC Parramatta Eagles? Fredrick Graham and Nathan Rivera, the White Eagles will not be inferior to any opponent.
Kuleski expressed his side?s ambitions for the upcoming season:
?We hope to play some good football this season and reach the finals, this is our objective. After some time away from the Premier League it is fantastic to be back and I believe that with the new players we have in the squad we can really challenge for the finals.?
Captain David Petrovic will be pivotal to the side?s success with his experience and professional ?know how? in defence:
?We?ve had quite a bit of success recently, so our aim is to continue to do well, and challenge for the title this season.?
MANLY UNITED FC
One of the most consistent outfits in recent seasons has been Manly United, led largely by the coaching exploits of Phil Moss. The Manly boss has been an advocate for player development and 2009 will be another season where his side will unleash some very talented footballers. Manly United has provided the A-League with the likes of Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Beau Busch, and Phil Moss is confident in the ability of a number of his younger additions.
Josh Sama and Brodie Mooy offer an exciting element in the attacking third, meanwhile the experience of former English Premier League defender Spencer Prior delivers the balance required across the backline.
?Our goals are to improve our player development and also improve as a team, meaning we take that next step and challenge for trophies,? commented Moss.
?I am happy with our pre-season, with the arrival of an experience head like Spencer Prior ? he is extremely vocal on the field which will help out the younger boys ? and also Josh Sama who I am very excited about. He has some big years ahead of him and a number of goals to score as well.?
Experienced striker Craig Midgley echoed his boss? sentiments and added that the team is ready to start the serious football:
?Without a pre-season Cup, we?ve only had some friendly matches to prepare, so really, we cannot wait for the serious matches to commence. Our group has trained well and we have managed to ?gel? together nicely; we can?t wait to for the season to start.?
MARCONI STALLIONS
Marconi Stallions is another glamour club in-search of happier times following a lean spell in recent times. 2008 was a disastrous season for the foundation NSL club, and new coach Lee Sterrey will have his work cut out in 2009 to bring back the victories.
Sterrey has an impressive CV with international experience and returns to the Bossley Park side with much to give to the side. Sterrey has already added his touch to the playing roster, adding Iraqi representative Ali Abbas Al-Hilfi – a wide left midfielder – who the Stallions boss sees as a near complete player.
?Our objective this year is to change the formula somewhat and return to challenging for the top spots on the ladder, as Marconi is a big side in Australian football; a side that should be challenging for titles, always,? Sterrey emphasised.
The Stallions will also have the services of Italian import Andrea Merenda who will add a wealth of experience, along with two Ivory Coast footballers that will join the club shortly. Club captain Nahuel Arrarte is anticipating a massive improvement from the Stallions this season:
?The additions we?ve mentioned will make us stronger, and we?ll also have a number of young boys from our Under-20s set-up available also. Remember, that 20s side won the title last season and has always been a force, so we are expecting some great talent to come through to the first team.?
PENRITH-NEPEAN UNITED
Under new boss Ian Gillan, Penrith-Nepean United hopes to add more consistency to their campaign in 2009. Despite a rather impressive start to the last campaign, a lack of depth condemned the side to a poor finish to the season. However, with a reinvigorated atmosphere following the announcement of a new owner at the club, coach Ian Gillan can work in more pleasant surroundings. Gillan has secured the services of Mark Bariamis, David Comito, Nikolas Jelic, David Gardiner and Ben Gough to state his side?s intentions.
In defence, the experienced legs of Angelo Petratos will be important for Penrith?s chances; Petratos? arrival from West Sydney Berries means, for the second time in Football NSW?s elite competition, a father-son pairing will take to the field vesting the same colours. Angelo?s son Dimitrios is 16-years of age, and is a star of the future with his quick feet and incredible composure on the ball. Petratos senior is really excited about the prospect of lining up alongside his son:
?It is brilliant, a dream come true. I cannot wait to be honest. Our team has worked well in this pre-season and with the talent we have across the park we will certainly be aiming for a good finish on the ladder.?
SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Sutherland Sharks impressive 2008 will be put to the test as the side prepares for life without Brendan Gan and Pedj Bojic. The two players have moved to Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners respectively, in the A-League, and have left new boss Robbie Stanton with a big job ahead in his return to coaching at Seymour Shaw. Despite the loss of his two big guns, Stanton is certain his chargers can match it with the rest of the League:
?It?s true, we?ve lost some players (adding the likes of Phillip Zabaks, Shane Lyons and David Huxley to that list), though we?ll be introducing some young guys that I believe will do a good job. In our 20s team we?ve got some flair, we?ve trained with these boys and I can see a couple of them stepping up to play with the first team.?
Joining the club will be promising former Penrith-Nepean United duo Nathan Ralph and Panny Nikas along with rising star Aram Tayebi, a player that has already been selected to represent the Iranian U20 National team.
The leadership roles will again fall on the shoulders of captain George Souris and Brad Boardman, along with midfielder dynamo Nick Stavroulakis who is looking forward to a fresh start to the season following an injury-ridden first half of last season.
Stavroulakis commented: ?Expectations are very high following our achievements last season. It will be tough to repeat what we achieved last season, though the boys who were there are still feeling the hurt following the Grand-Final loss. With the new guys coming in, we?ll look to challenge all the way with our aim to go one better than last season.?
SYDNEY OLYMPIC
As was the case twelve-months ago, Sydney Olympic enter the season with huge wraps on the side following a strong showing on the transfer market.
New coach Aytek Genc – who has a phenomenal coaching record in the Premier League comprising two League titles and a Cup title with Blacktown City Demons between 2006-2007 – brings a wealth of experience to the Blues, along with huge signings Tolgay Ozbey in attack and Bobby Dragas in defence. Ozbey?s addition alongside the likes of Matthew Mayora, with the support of Anthony Doumanis and Anthony Hartshorn, pose adversaries with a daunting task of containing this explosive front-line.
Aytek Genc is looking forward to the challenge:
?Sydney Olympic is a big side and all big sides expect wins and trophies. It will be great to bring the trophy back to the club this season as the supporters have waited a long time now for the League title.
?We want to focus on playing winning football and attractive football at the same time.?
Captain Peter Zorbas returns to the playing fields after a serious knee injury saw him miss the second-half of the season. Zorbas has trained well in the pre-season and has accumulated game time in the friendly matches; a great sign for one of Sydney Olympic?s favourite sons.
?I am feeling great at the moment, really happy that I have been able to train and that I have had the game time to build my strength and confidence up,? said Zorbas.
?As all Sydney Olympic players and supporters know, we are a big club with much expectation of us. The caliber of signings that we have made over this off-season shows just how serious this club is to be successful in 2009.?
SYDNEY TIGERS
A new name, new uniforms and a new home ground have given Sydney Tigers a new lease on life in their bid to win some silverware in 2009.
The Tigers have narrowly missed out on finals football by the narrowest of margins over the past two seasons, something the Tigers? players want to correct this season.
Paul Okon has taken over the reins as coach at the club and has worked marvellously well in the pre-season, though the former Socceroo captain will be off to take-on his A-League coaching commitments in late March. To the Tigers credit the team has recruited well; The goalkeeping job has been handed to a more than capable replacement in former Sutherland Sharks shot-stopper Phillip Zabaks who has replaced Matthew Nash.
Marshalled at the back by captain Michael Galluzzo, much strength has been added in the midfield with the arrival of former Sydney Olympic duo, brothers, Marino and Carlo Musumeci, along with former Sutherland speedster Shane Lyons. In attack, Franco Parisi will carry the goalscoring expectations following the departure of Robert Younis; a role that the Tigers? number 10 cherishes.
?I am really looking forward to the start of the season as we have worked really hard and are gelling very well. I believe that Paul Okon?s arrival has brought about a new feel in the group and it has been great to work with him.
?Obviously he will be leaving shortly after the start of the season though we are concentrating on what is happening now, preparing as best as possible for our opening match and not thinking about the boss? departure until it happens.
?I feel we have the strongest squad that we have had in recent seasons with some great additions in midfield; each player is very hungry for success and it shows how ambitious this club really is.?
SYDNEY UNITED
Sydney United welcomes back one of their favourite sons this season as Ante Milicic takes over as player/coach at Sydney United Sports Centre.
Milicic will have a large contingent of last season?s squad at his disposal, with the additions of Sydney United Under-20 player of the year Daniel Rezo, former Croatian Youth International Davor Bajsic, former Sydney Olympic midfielder Roger Galayini and Central Coast Mariners? National Youth League player Glenn Trifiro the notable recruits.
A daunting proposition for opposing defences will be the pairing of former A-League striker Luka Glavas with Milicic in the front-line, a very formidable partnership.
?It is going to be a tough job, coaching and playing at the same time, though I knew that this would be the case when I took on the position. I do have a great Assistant (Alex Prophet) and he will be very important for me, especially when I go out onto the field,? said Milicic.
?Our performances in pre-season have not been too bad, though the results have been less encouraging. I believe we?ll really challenge this season, and that is important for a club like Sydney United that carries much expectation.?
Experienced defender Milan Bosnar is also relishing the start of the season, and working alongside one of his heroes, Ante Milicic.
?I used to be a ball boy when Ante played for Sydney United in the NSL. It is fantastic to work alongside him. The team has enjoyed the pre-season as we have worked well together and we have a lot to prove this season.
?2008 was a good year, in that we made the finals, though this year we want to go further and be a top-two side, that is our goal,? concluded Milan Bosnar.
WEST SYDNEY BERRIES
The West Sydney Berries start their second season in the TeleChoice Premier League full of confidence following an impressive inaugural season. A credible eighth spot finish has laid the platform for new coach John Calleja; the former St George, Parramatta Eagles and Eastern Suburbs boss certain he can rely on some experienced campaigners to help the Berries cause.
?Our main aim has been to retain the nucleus of the squad from last season. We?ve lost a couple of guys though added some experienced players such as James Kovas, Peter Peralta and Adam Wither.?
Calleja has signalled put rising star Daniel Wagus as a player to watch out for this season:
?This youngster is only 20-years of age and is very versatile across the back-line.?
Captain Aheleas Kotsopoulos will start his seventeenth year in Berries colours and is as hungry today for success as he was in the earlier days.
?I am enjoying it, even though during though you go home sore after the tough pre-season training sessions [laughs]. We will be competitive this season, we?ll give it our all, and we?ll certainly be ready come Round 1 on Sunday week.?
WOLLONGONG COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CLUB
A new community-based ownership structure – including the establishment of public companies to run the NSW Premier League side ? has been established, and the expectation amongst supporters will be ?more of the same? following the Wolves? tremendous Grand-Final triumph in 2008.
In what will be a real test for new head coach Tony Pace, Wollongong Community FC will look to important elements from the Championship winning side of last season to lead the team on the field.
Influential striker Ilija Prenzoski will again carry the weight of expectation up-front with his goal scoring abilities vital to his side?s chances of success. Prenzoski will have a familiar face in Ballamadou Conde playing out of midfield, meanwhile the striking ability of Samet Kaynak promises to deliver much in the coming season.
Out of midfield, Steve Hayes will be hoping to build on his Grand-Final ?Man of the Match? performance in last season?s 4-2 win against Sutherland Sharks as his presence becomes of vital importance in a group that boasts many new faces.
Alfredo Estevas? experience in defence is a solid platform for new coach Tony Pace to build his backline; Pace also has the services of new signings, defenders, Ben Bronneberg and Jamie Pitt to guard goalkeeper Alex Augusto.
Tony Pace commented on his side?s chances:
?We would like to win again, though we really do need to be realistic. ?Unfortunately, our pre-season has started late and we lost a huge group of players that were instrumental in our successes last season. I believe that from what I have seen in per-season training, my players are up to the challenge ? we will be competitive ? retaining the title may just be out of our grasp at this point.?
ROUND 1 

-By Joseph Carlucci