THE 2021 Football Federation Sunraysia (FFS) S-League season gets under way tomorrow with teams trying to establish their place in the pecking order.
Mildura City are widely regarded to be well in both the senior men’s and women’s title races, while 2019 men’s champions Three Colours look to be heading through a rebuilding phase.
“We’ve had a pretty good pre-season, but really it’s a completely new team to the one that won the title in 2019,” Colours coach David Chick said.
“I’ve only just come back from having five years out and Piers Cresp, who had played for us as a 16-year-old, returns after eight years. I think he’ll have a good season. Initially he’ll line up at centre back but might move forward as we get a few guys in.
“Having been away, I’m not totally familiar with the side that won in 2019, but we’re definitely in more of a rebuilding phase. That team from two years ago is no more.
“We’re looking to be competitive, and it will be a pretty young line-up. We have a few guys who are now too old for the under-16 level, so they’ll get their opportunities.”
Irymple Knights striker Chris Romeo hopes his side will be right in the title picture as well.
“We’ve been looking all right (over pre-season), we’ve had a few injuries and numbers missing at times but I think we’re setting ourselves up now,” Romeo said.
“Of course we’re aiming for the title. We’ve still got the core squad that won those premierships a couple of years ago plus a few newer players coming in. If we can stay fit and healthy, I think we have a squad that can push for the title.
“Collectively as a squad we are all hoping to have consistent and impacting performances and are trying hard to work together as a team to get the best results.
“We are lucky enough to have a few talented under-16 players coming up and playing a few games to gain some experience as they will play a huge role in the future of the club.”
Nichols Point will play Three Colours at Aero Oval Soccer Park tomorrow while Mildura City and Irymple Knights face-off at Merbein’s Kenny Park.
