Season Preview: Forrestfield United
Football West News
Forrestfield United will kick off their NPLWA campaign on Saturday when they take on Night Series champions Floreat Athena.
United, who made it to the league after defeating Mandurah City in the play-off at the end of 2017, will be coached by Rod Banjac, whose appointment in 2013 has seen the club climb from the State League Division Two to the top flight of WA Football.
“The preseason has been progressing as per the schedule and the Night Series provided us with a glimpse of what to expect in the NPL,” he said.
“We have stepped up in regards to our preparation for the season ahead and the squad has embraced the extra demands required to compete at this level of competition.
“Although we are not quite there yet, we are definitely on the right track.”
Banjac, who has bought the club from State League Division Two to the top flight of WA football since his appointment in 2013, sees promotion to the NPL is his biggest accomplishment.
“With the pathway for our most talented players now firmly in place, Hartfield Park will prove to be a fantastic venue for good quality football,” he said.
“We can't wait to test ourselves against the best in the State.”
Forrestfield added Thomas Southgate, Callum Roberts, Thomas Jebb, Slobodan Vulin and Callum Dobbs to their squad and Banjac has been delighted with how they have settled in.
“Thomas and Callum Dobbs will be looking not only to establish themselves at NPLWA level but rather to create an impact,” he said.
“Both are talented 19 year-olds who have a professional approach to football requirements at this level.
“They will learn a great deal from our leader on the park Liam Merigan, who played a massive role on our journey towards the NPLWA and I can’t speak highly enough of him.
“Liam is a born leader, extremely competitive, very responsible, totally committed, and is highly respected by all at the club. He is a winner, box to box player with a touch of class and a fantastic engine. He is a great role model who leads by example, enjoys a fantastic relationship with players of all ages.”
Forrestfield United will open their NPLWA season when they host Floreat Athena on Friday, February 23, at 8.00pm.
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