BLOODING the next generation of senior footballers is at the forefront of strategic thinking at Nichols Point.
While they currently sit at the bottom of the senior men’s S-League table, coach Dave Circosta said their current plan is to build for future with their talented crop of youngsters.
Four debutants have appeared at senior level in 2023 in Josh Puleio, Dustin Madden, Aphisit Morris and Jack Almond, the former two just last week against Mildura United.
Add in other young talents like Brooklyn Hudak, Connor O’Callaghan and Ryley and Reece Plummer, and Circosta believes there’s a bright future at the Point.
“We’ve got an abundance of quality juniors and it was always our goal to start blooding more of them into the senior sides,” he said.
“About 10 years ago as a club, we decided we can’t just rely on backpackers coming through, we’ve got to have a real focus on developing our younger players through the ranks and eventually we’ll see the rewards of that at senior level.
“That was pretty evident with the women’s side last year and we’re seeing more of that with the men’s this year.
“I believe we’re the biggest club for overall player numbers again so it proves we have a really strong junior program.”
On Sunday, Nichols Point take on Irymple Knights, who following last week’s bye have slipped back below Mildura City at the top of the table with four rounds left to play.
Meanwhile, City come head-to-head with an in-form Mildura United who recorded 5-1 victory over the Pointers last week.
In senior women’s competition, Mildura City take the week off after gathering an unassailable lead for the title.
Nichols Point and Irymple Knights come head-to-head in the battle for second place, with the Pointers no doubt confident after their 9-1 drubbing of Irymple three weeks ago.
