Insight: APIA Leichhardt Tigers
The Team: APIA-Leichhardt Tigers have made some decent re-enforcements to their squad ahead of season 2012 following a rather disappointing 2011 season.
Having failed to ignite over the first three-quarters of the season, the Tigers strong finish to the last campaign was too little too late in the run home to the finals.
2012 sees John Turner make a return to the Premier League after leading Wollongong Wolves to the 2008 Championship. Turner will have experienced heads Franco Parisi and Nicola Rizzo to assist him ? the latter also Turner?s assistant for this season.
Following the departures of Robbie Younis and Anthony Hartshorn, the Tigers have recruited two promising Kiwis in U23 All Whites international Ethan Galbraith and current U20 All Whites international Andy Bevin who have impressed many onlookers at pre-season matches and look like the two players to watch out for.
The additions of Sam Salameh, Wandi Jajaw and Brad Bartels to the first team give the Tigers somewhat of an ?x factor? this season.
With a solid defensive line featuring club captain Michael West, Mark Byrnes and Danial Cummins ? and bolstered by the addition of Adel El Jamal from Marconi Stallions – the Tigers have the platform in place to make a serious case for finals football this season.
The Coach: John Turner returns to the NSW Premier League in a bid to turn APIA-Leichhardt Tigers? fortunes following a barren run in recent years.
The former Wollongong Wolves and Bonnyrigg White Eagles coach, who led both clubs to Championship and Premiership success along with a list of coaching honours, takes the coach?s seat at Lambert Park this season in a year that promises much for the former NSL glamour club.
Turner?s experience and football ?know how? stand the Tigers in good stead for a shot at finals football in 2012.
Player to watch: Veteran Nick Rizzo will carry further weight on his shoulders this season as he doubles in his role at the club as assistant coach to John Turner. Rizzo?s experience, both domestically and abroad, will play a pivotal role for the Tigers this season as the Leichhardt-based side seeks to return amongst the contenders for the title.
Rizzo?s creativity out of midfield and pin-point set-pieces have proven a hit in recent seasons, and more of the same will be required if the Tigers are to roar in 2012.
Rising Star: A player who has been around the traps at APIA-Leichhardt, 2012 could be goalkeeper Stefan Giglio?s season to shine. Giglio will be looking to consolidate a starting spot under John Turner as the number one goalkeeper but will come under some stiff competition in former Parramatta FC?s shotstopper Anthony Costa.
The promising custodian, known for his shot-blocking skills will provide coach John Turner added confidence in his charger?s potential.
Following a larger stint in the Grade-20 division as well as the recent Viareggio Tournament where he captained the squad, Giglio?s chance to establish himself in the top-flight has finally arrived.
APIA-Leichhardt Tigers Squad 2012.
1. Stefan Giglio (Gk)
2. Mark Byrnes
3. Adel El Jamal
4. Stephen Lyons
5. Michael West ?
6. Danial Cummins
7. Stephen Kayes
8. Adam D?Apuzzo
9. Ethan Galbraith
10. Franco Parisi
11. Nicola Rizzo
12. Andy Bevin
13. David D?Apuzzo
15. Brad Bartels
16. Michael Hawrysiuk
17. Sam Salameh
18. Brendan Reilly
20. Wandi Jawjaw
21. Anthony Costa (Gk)
Coach: John Turner
Ins: Ethan Galbraith, Andy Bevin, Adel El Jamal (Marconi Stallions), Shane Lyons (Sydney United), Kutaiba Elrich (Parramatta FC), Anthony Costa (Parramatta FC), Stephen Lloyd (Macarthur Rams), Michael Hawrysiuk
Outs: Jose Bello Amigo, John Kelso, Cole Tinkler, Marton Vass, Robert Younis, Anthony Hartshorn, Sam Messam, Matt Fsandi, Thomas Taylor, Chris James
