The Under 18’s have had a solid preseason with varying results with majority of the players having been training since November last year things look bright for 2011.
The team are looking forward to backing up and building on their successful season last year finishing 3rd but only 4 points behind winners Burnie in a very close year. Last year the club was in pole position for a lot of the season with a long run of draws becoming our undoing midway through the season. Having lost key players Kieran Phillips and Tyler Bonde through groin and shoulder injuries respectively for the season the Under 18’s and a few younger players getting called up to the Senior ranks the team will have to utilise the young talent in the team.
Coach Richard Jones is coaching the team for his 2nd year in a row and is looking forward to the season ahead. We caught up with him for a few quick questions.
What are your predictions for this year:
RJ: Top four is a priority but like every other team we will be after the league title. I think it will be a close season this year same as last. Every game really counts which we learnt the hard way this year.
Do you believe this team can win the league:
Sure I do. I mean we can’t go in not thinking we can.
If so what would that require:
A consistent under 18’s squad, that will also be a big challenge for us, with so many of the young talented players being in and out of the seniors team and players stepping up due to injuries. If we can get that key core group of players I believe we can really excel.
Which clubs will make up the top four in your opinion?
I believe the top four will be made up of in no particular order Riverside, Northern Rangers, United and Burnie.
What do you believe will be the biggest test this year?
Well obviously the squad issues but the defining moment in the season will be our games against Prospect Knights, for some reason they had our measure on both occasions last year so personally I would like to win those games this year especially and I think if we do it will do wonders for our team.
Thank you Richard
Having had a taste for victory and being so close expect a tenacious and determined
under 18 team in 2011.
by Liam J. Jarvis
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