Football West News

 

Former Perth Glory defender Scott Miller will again balance emerging talent with some experienced campaigners as Cockburn City aim to improve on last season.

Having finished ninth in the 12-team competition last season, Miller will again rely on some familiar faces to please the fans at Dalmatinac Park.

What Cockburn may lack in squad depth, they make up for in some quality players, whose fitness will be crucial. 

“I think the key to us having a strong season will be keeping our players on the pitch fit and healthy,” he said. “We have some key players such as Cam Edwards, Ruben Tristao, Aiden Da Luz and Harry O’Brien all being led by Euen Grant, who is a very good captain on and off the field.”

Miller has also added youthful dynamism in former Perth Glory National Youth League players Gian Albano and Calvin Whitney.

A 4-0 loss to ECU Joondalup in the QBE Night Series brought about a quick exit and also exposed Cockburn to the potential of the northern suburbs club to rock the established order in the NPLWA this season.

 Although Miller is one of eight coaches to consider Bayswater the team to beat, he saw enough in Dale McCulloch’s ECU side to expect big things from them this season.

“I think ECU will be up there at the pointy end,” said Miller, who also expects defending champions Perth SC to be tough to beat.

“For us, it will be about making an improvement from last season.”

Cockburn City will take on Subiaco at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday in the first round of the PS4 NPL WA competition.

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