Football West News

Balcatta survived relegation on the final day of the season, with a win against Mandurah City. They will be looking for an improvement in 2018, with Goran Stajic as the new head coach.
 
It’s been a huge pre-season for Stajic, preparing Balcatta for the NPLWA and also coaching the Australian Pararoos in the World Cup, but he is feeling positive ahead of the season.

“In hindsight you would have to say that 2017 was an amazing year for the club," he said.

"Not only did we manage to survive but to see approximately 1,000 people at the final game of the season was a testament to the club’s history and its unrelenting community support over the last 40 years." 

“It’s been a very long pre-season and I dare say a positive one. We have bought in some new players but also retained a core group from last year. Overall we have been focusing on a new style of play along with giving every player on the list from the u18 to the First Team an opportunity to showcase their potential and commitment to the club in 2018.”
 
Balcatta have added some experience to their squad, signing Adriano Jelenovic, Mathew Olango, Joseph Marino, Damien Stanoevski, Hayden Stevens and Kris Gate. Stajic said they want to compete with the best.
 
“This season is about climbing as high as possible along with retaining that Balcatta FC support and engaging the neutral support by playing brave, entertaining and energetic football,” he said.

Calum O’Connell will again captain the club and Stajic said he has an important role as the club embark on their ninth season in the top league.
 
“Calum’s application and leadership qualities both on and off the field helps us, which in return helps him and ultimately his teammates,” he said.
 
“I have no doubt that he had opportunities to walk out last season and desert us like so many others did but he chose to stay and fight for survival, which shows his character.
 
“We also have some young talent pressing for a role in the first team and 17-year-old Angel Dejkovski, who displays a game that is well beyond his age. His touch is impeccable, close ball control scintillating, passing range sublime and damaging to the opposition.”
 
Balcatta will open their NPLWA season when they travel to Frank Drago Reserve to take on champions Bayswater City on Sunday, February 25 at 5.00pm