Insight: Blacktown City FC
The Team: The heartbreak of falling at the semi-final stage in 2011 should provide Blacktown City FC with enough enthusiasm to make a strong challenge for a grand final berth in 2012. Despite losing the likes of Sean Mitchell, Milorad Simonovic and Mitchell Duke from the squad, the former Champions have added Japanese imports Ryo Watanabe and Ryuji Miyazawa to the group along with promising star Daniel Bragg who has enjoyed a very positive stint at A-League side Gold Coast United.
The club also welcomes Brody Crane to guide the goal, meanwhile captain Luke Roodenburg will again be the ?go to? man with his tireless energy and overall enthusiasm for the club ? much the reason for Blacktown City?s successes in recent years.
Roodenburg will be looking to forge a strong partnership up front with new signing James Monie ? the latter joins the club from Rockdale City Suns following a somewhat sombre season in front of goal for the Suns.
The Coach: Mark Crittenden proven his ability to lead a Premier League side into the finals series with a fine 2011 campaign that was ended at the final hurdle by Sydney United, who went on to face Sydney Olympic in the 2011 Championship decider.
Crittenden had the tough task of taking the reins of Aytek Genc?s 2010 champions, though was without a number of the players from that season in 2011. Despite the setback, and some under par performances in the early part of 2011, Crittenden?s fast and direct approach of play paid dividends with a strong Blacktown City FC showing.
2012 will prove a tough season, though with the experience of captain Luke Roodenburg, and the constant development of young guns Travis Major, Ray Miller and Adam Jenner ? each of these players now have an additional year of experience under their belts ? Crittenden and Blacktown City FC will be expected to figure in the top part of the League ladder come the end of the season.
Player to watch: Striker James Monie will be looking for a clean start at Blacktown City FC following a disappointing season in 2011 at Rockdale City Suns. The former Bankstown City and Manly United FC striker has proven his aerial prowess, strength on the ball and strong finishing with many goals over his playing career, something that was missing last season at the Suns.
Monie will have some strong support around him with the likes of Luke Roodenburg very capable of motivating all the players on the field. With service to come out of midfield from the likes of Adam Jenner, Ray Miller and Travis Major, Monie may well be the player to keep an eye on this season.
Rising Star: Daniel Bragg is a young man for supporters and followers of the NSW Premier League to keep their eye on this season. Having grown up through the ranks at Blacktown City FC, Bragg returns to the club following a stint in the A-League with Gold Coast United FC.
In 2008, Bragg?s footballing career seemed all but over as he was diagnosed with acute kidney failure. Following a kidney transplant and incredible self-belief, Bragg made a sensational return to the football fields, not only at State level, though by securing a contract with Gold Coast United.
A tenacious midfielder with a big engine, fine touch and pin-point precision passing, Bragg will be key to Blacktown City FC?s chances of success this season. Already familiar with his surroundings at the club, expect big things from this big talent in 2012.
Blacktown City FC Squad 2012:
1. Brody Crane
3. Ryo Watanabe
4. Travis Major
5. Patrick Gatt
6. Matt Lewis
7. Luke Roodenburg (C)
8. Daniel Bragg
9. Ryuji Miyazawa
10. James Monie
12. David Cain
14. Adam Jenner
15. Ray Miller
16. Luke Austin
17. Tom Taylor
18. Keiren Paull
19. Zac Cairncross
Coach: Mark Crittenden
Ins: Brody Crane (South Coast Wolves), Ryo Watanabe, Daniel Bragg (Gold Coast United), Ryuji Miyazawa, Tom Taylor (APIA Leichhardt Tigers), James Monie (Rockdale City Suns)
Outs: Simon Jaeger, Justin Beiga, Bruno Pivato, Adam Biddle, Michael Brown, Sean Mitchell, Matthew Pressello, Milorad Simonovic, Mitchell Long, Kain Rastall, Mitchell Duke
