Round 1 Preview – League One Men’s Preview
Season Preview taken care of, it’s time to switch our focus to round one of the Football NSW League One Men’s competition.
With a fresh streaming deal acquired, we are set to see more of the competition than ever before!
But don’t worry, we’ll try and point you in the right direction to catch the best of the competition with a few hints and tips.
On the park, round one certainly doesn’t disappoint with a smorgasbord of action across the weekend. So, lace those boots up, start the scoreboard clock, we’re all set for round one of this wonderfully chaotic competition.
Our Pick: Western Sydney Wanderers FC v NWS Spirit FC, Saturday 12th March, 7pm, Wanderers Football Park
Coming out of the gates strong, Western Sydney Wanderers host NWS Spirit at Wanderers Football Park, Saturday night.
Let’s start with Western Sydney Wanderers where recent coaching changes aren’t exclusive to the A-league side. Returning to the academy for the first time as First team head coach is Tom Vidovic and he’ll be hoping for a positive start. Squad wise, they will be looking for a goal scorer to emerge in this one given how many goals the team have lost.
In contrast, NWS head coach David Perkovic is one of the longest serving coaches in the division. His Spirit side have undergone a long off season having started training in early November. In the off season he has refreshed his squad with the acquisitions of Jake Mamone, Chris Marques, Richie Darko and Jordan Gomez. Usually a fast-starting side, Spirit will be confident heading into this one.
Why you should watch this: Last time these two sides played, they played out an enthralling six goal draw last May. With plenty of new faces coming into both sides, there’s plenty of reasons to tune in Saturday night.
St George FC v Hakoah FC, Saturday 12th March, 7pm, Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
St George FC begin their new era Saturday night when they host Hakoah FC at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre.
With a squad turnover an A-league academy would be proud of, expect to see a new look St George FC this season. Leading this young team will be Mark Milligan who took over from Greg King during the preseason. Milligan is excited for the season ahead and will be looking to the likes of the experienced pair of Ryan Norval and Yu Hasegawa to help his young side settle.
Hakoah FC have a new look for the new year after seeing a good portion of their squad progress further in their careers. To replace them, the team from Sydney’s eastern suburbs have signed the likes of Anthony Costa, Conor Earley, Steven Sohn and George Firth Tuson while they have retained their reliable core of the squad. Traveling for the first time this season, they’ll go into the clash as favourites.
Why you should watch this: Two storylines make this one an intriguing prospect. The debut of Mark Milligan as a head coach for the hosts. While plenty will be keen to see how Hakoah deal with their losses in the offseason.
Northern Tigers FC v Blacktown Spartans FC, Saturday 12th March, 7pm, North Turramurra Recreation Area
Ever the tough assignment, Blacktown Spartans travel to Northern Tigers to try and repeat a rare 2021 success.
This week’s hosts, Northern Tigers are rested and prepared for another shot at promotion in 2022. In a league where drama isn’t limited to the field, ex-football superstar Adam Hett once again has opted for a steady pre-season with four players coming in and four going out. With the likes of Hiyori Kawaguchi, Scott Browning and Jack Fulton joining the Tigers in the off season.
Blacktown Spartans on the other hand have had a transition period during the off-season. Andy Montgomery has overseen his first full season at the club after coming in half way through last season. And his squad is a mix or players who are returning and new players. Speaking of, watch out for Keith Buckley whose CV is impressive to say the least.
Why you should watch this: Blacktown Spartans have been keeping a few cards close to their chest in the offseason. Will they reveal them in the hopes of surprising Northern Tigers, Saturday night?
Hills United FC v SD Raiders FC, Saturday 12th March, 7pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre
There’s always that one matchup with seems to appear every year to open the season. In League One Men’s, it’s Hills United v SD Raiders who meet in a repeat of last year’s round one match of the round.
However, that’s where the similarities end. At Hills United, we see one of the most highly regarded coaches in the state enter the dugout. Yes, Brian “Bomber” Brown is back to lead a club he had an association with at its birth. On the field, Hills have seen a fair amount of change with the likes of Ahmed Sweedan and Tristan Van Rhoom coming in.
Building one block at a time, SD Raiders looking set to continue on their upward trajectory in 2022. And it’s a case of quantity this season, signing a deep roster of players for the upcoming campaign. While Goran Ljuboja makes the transition from the playing field to the bench supported by his good mate James Raiti.
Why you should watch this: After a couple of seasons away from the game, Brian “Bomber” Brown returns to the coaching dugout. With a good squad under him, how will they fare against a fresh-looking SD Raiders side?
Mounties Wanderers FC v Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC, Sunday 13th March, 3:30pm, WSW Football Park.
After a few years playing their home games away from home. Mounties Wanderers return to Cook Park to play Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Yes, after years wandering, away from their traditional home, the club return to their turf and what better way to celebrate than a local derby. Coach Jerry Bilokapic returns for his second season in charge of the club. Squad wise, the club have undergone another squad revamp, bringing in a total of 14 players including Sam Perre, Bruno Pivato and Nic Petrillo. With a fully fit squad, could they surprise a league heavyweight?
Their opponents, Bonnyrigg White Eagles have had turbulent last few weeks going into the season with their squad ravaged by injuries. But never fear, they will be ready for round one of the competition with a squad full of experience including the acquisition of five talented players who could make their club debut in this one. With expectations as high as ever going into the season, the Eagles will want to get Abbas Saad’s reign started on the front foot.
Why you should watch this: A good old fashioned local derby to kick off the season, don’t mind if we do!
Central Coast Mariners FC v St George City FA, Sunday 13th March, 4pm, Pluim Park
Central Coast Mariners host St George City to close out our round one action, Sunday afternoon.
I promise to not mention Central Coast Mariners A-league side every week. There you go, I’m starting the season with a goal as well. Humour aside, the production line at the Mariners seems set to continue with a strong squad assembled for the season ahead. And with Andrew Christiansen at the helm for his competitive first grade coaching debut, they look to be in good hands.
Which brings us to the first team to make the trip up to Pluim Park. And it’s the team who were first when last season was halted in St George City. City have had a rough pre-season with injuries hampering their preparation. If that doesn’t sound tough enough, they will be without their captain Tarik Ercan and Nathan Roberts through suspension. It looks a hard task, but they’ve surprised us before.
Why you should watch this: The two meetings last season between these two turned out to be fiery contests last season. With plenty of feeling between the two sides, your Sunday afternoon is sorted.
Remember you can catch all League One Men’s action (wash-out dependent) on NPL.TV brought to you by Clutch.
-By FNSW League One Men’s writer Justin Smith
