Pelekanos believes Mounties Wanderers heading in the right direction
After a transition year, Football NSW League One club Mounties Wanderers are primed for a competitive 2022 Season under the guidance of Jerry Bilokapic.
And continuing our pre-season feature tour of Football NSW League One clubs, Football NSW spoke with Mounties Wanderers captain Peter Pelekanos ahead of the season.
“It is very safe to say that the club is in a transition/rebuilding phase. It is no secret that the last couple of years have been challenging for the club due to covid and in terms of results.
“However, since coming to the club at the back end of last year, there have been many positive developments in terms of recruitment and culture. The club is heading in the right direction, and I think we will surprise a lot of people.”
Tasked with the rebuild was coach Jerry Bilokapic. When asked what it’s like working with him, Pelekanos continues.
“Working with Jerry has been great. Since day one, he had a hard task in front of him, but he and the staff are showing that they are up to the task. His standards are high and always gets the best out of his players.”
On the brink of another campaign, Pelekanos says his team are ready to go round one.
“Pre-season this year has been one of the better camps I’ve been a part of. I feel as though our S&C, Frank Mikuletic, has got us to a level that a lot of us haven’t got to before in terms of fitness and power.
“Personally, I’m probably the fittest I’ve ever been and the squad, for the most part, have remained injury free.
“It is a brand new, young squad with a lot of new signings coming in over the last 6 months, which can be challenging from a cultural standpoint. However, we have gelled very quickly and have managed to create a great culture within the dressing room and on the pitch.”
So, who should we be looking out for this coming season? Pelekanos gave us a few pointers on that.
“Young Matty Self has been great for us through pre-season, has continually impressed and would be a player to watch out for.
“Another young talent to look out for is Franco Scarcella. We’ve also brought in some experience in Bruno Pivato, Sam Perre and Nic Petrillo who have added to the overall quality of the squad.”
So, with a good preseason behind them and a better squad to go with it. They’re aiming to bring good times to Cook Park.
“Our goal as a team is simple. Promotion. This year of all years is the best chance, and we have our sights set on a top 4 finish.
“Personally, my goal is to lead the boys as best I can, both on and off the field and continue to improve and perform throughout the year.”
But like all people we’ve talked too leading into this season. He doesn’t expect anything to come easy.
“My expectation is that this year will be one of the toughest seasons in close to a decade. With the last 2 seasons being seemingly right-offs, its obvious people are raring to go.
“Teams have recruited well, and everyone will want that top 4 finish. I have no doubt it’ll be an exciting year and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into it.”
-By Justin Smith
