Here we go: Into 2016
Report by Jonathan Cook
Photo: Vince Caratozzolo/www.fotoenzo.com
Bayswater City have been tipped by rival coaches and players as the PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues WA team to beat, although the consensus is that it will be a much closer competition in 2016.
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City have won the first two PS4 NPLWA titles and are firm favourites to win a third this season, which kicks off tomorrow (Saturday, March 19).
Their romp to last season’s top spot by 10 points has given them favouritism among those aiming to topple them from the pinnacle this season.
But just as City coach Chris Coyne expects a tough battle to retain the crown this season, his side’s rivals also expect a more even competition – from top to bottom.
Coyne is one of five former Perth Glory players will a PS4 NPLWA coaching role this season along with Scott Miller (Cockburn City), Gareth Naven (Perth SC), Jamie Harnwell (Sorrento) and Marc Anthony (Balcatta).
Sorrento coach Harnwell is one of those predicting a season in which Bayswater might not have it all their own way.
“The gap might just close a bit more and provide a bit more competition for the likes of Bayswater,” Harnwell said.
Perth Glory coach John Gibson has tipped Floreat Athena to continue their improvement and push City, while Rob Milevski, whose Stirling Lions side lost the QBE Night Series final to Bayswater last weekend, agrees.
“You can’t go past Bayswater,” he said. “They’ve got a proven history. They’ve lost a few players but they’ve recruited a couple and Coyney has done a great job.
“They’re still going to be the team to beat, although Floreat will be up there and (coach) Taki (Nicolaidis) at Inglewood will have the boys ready for the season.”
Floreat coach Glen Grostate was most impressed by Armadale during the Night Series and has tipped them to surprise this season.
“For where they’ve been and how hard it’s been for them, it was great for WA football to see them reach the Night Series semi-finals,” he said.
Cockburn City coach Scott Miller believes ECU Joondalup could spring a surprise, too, with the addition of some experienced players such as former Hearts striker Gordon Smith and ex-Glory midfielder .
“(ECU coach) Dale McCulloch showed some bravery to get those young boys up and playing and they’ve got a year under their belt,” Miller said. “The experienced players they’ve got are top drawer. They’d be my dark horse but I don’t think they’re too dark.”
Coyne sees a potential threat from several teams.
“Floreat are going to be up there again,” he said. “I think Stirling will do well if they can keep bodies on the park and keep everyone happy.
“Cockburn will surprise a few people, they’ve got a very young, fit and good team and Scotty Miller will have them well organised. And I think Armadale could be a surprise package as well.”
Click here for PS4 NPLWA fixtures
For more on the 12 teams, including squads, click on the links below:
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