When Michael Licciardo arrived at the Hoppers Crossing Football Club in 2013 he left a lasting impression on his then Senior Captain Brad Murphy.
When Murphy was appointed Senior Coach at the Melton Bloods prior to the 2014 season he attempted to lure Licciardo to Melton with him. He tried again the following year. But it was a case of third time lucky for Murphy when he made the call last August, and the prospect of a playing assistant coaching role and the challenge of helping to improve a young playing list drew his interest.
Licciardo describes himself as a “journeyman” having played football for St Bernards, Hoppers Crossing, Parkside and most recently at Mount Pleasant. But after a couple of months he’s enjoying life at MacPherson Park. “We have a great group of young exciting players, that are not only talented, but have a genuine passion and thirst to want to be successful and learn. I see 2016 as an incredibly exciting challenge for the club as a whole, new coaching appointments, new additions to the playing group, brand new opportunity, to build a successful club culture, enjoy our football, and most importantly continue to improve”.
Murphy is still undecided about where he will use his new recruit in 2016. “He probably plays a bit taller than he is, can play key back or key forward. He’s very versatile”. Murphy has also been impressed with the way his new assistant coach has fitted into the footy club. “He has settled in beautifully and is already a very popular figure”.
Football Manager Brad Jamison noted “Michael has been a key recruiting target for our senior coach for the past couple of years, so to be able to land his signature this time was an exciting result for the footy club. I’ve already had some excellent feedback from our playing group who are enjoying his drills and one on one teaching at training”.
And where does Licciardo see the team heading in 2016? “The word that best describes our club as a whole is opportunity. We ask for the full support of the playing group to come together, believe in the direction we are headed and to give 110% at every opportunity. I cannot wait to get stuck back into training and Season 2016”.
Last Modified on 14/01/2016 16:55