Killarney Vale 2019 Season Preview

FOOTY OPERATIONS MANAGER PREVIEW
We’re looking to continue the momentum from last year in which all our senior teams made the finals for the first time in a long while. Our goal for this year is to hopefully repeat that, although we know this isn’t an easy task as the competition improves every year.

How’s Preseason going?
Preseason has been really good with great numbers for both Women’s and Men’s teams. The exciting thing this preseason is that’s it’s the younger players that are leading the way which sets a great platform and keeps the older players on their toes. That in turn creates competition for spots in all teams at a high.

Biggest surprise packet in 2019?
For the women, new recruit Sasha Edwards looks like she will be a more than handy pick up having played in a quality league in Victoria. I’m sure she’ll fit into the team seamlessly and have a great 2019.

There’s bit of a theme here but for the men returning player Brad Edwards (Sasha Edwards Husband) hasn’t missed a beat and will be invaluable for the team not only for his playing ability but also his leadership qualities.

MEN’S CUP TEAM PROFILE
Co-Coach, Corey Shackleton –

The team is shaping up nicely. We have had a strong preseason, starting back in November which has focused heavily on fitness and structure. We have a very young, but committed list.

Who has been lighting up preseason/which player is the one to watch in 2019?
There has been a number of players who have been working very hard over the preseason and looking set for a big year. Jayden Banfield, Dillion Stevens and Enjay Convey have all been training hard and are looking great.

Brad Edwards is undoubtedly the one to watch!

Big Ins:
Rick White, Ryan Barrett, Brad Edwards, Harley Beckett and Harley Bernleitner are all returning in 2019 and will have a big impact on our side.
Big Outs:
Ryan Coughlan (Travel)

Who is the team to beat in 2019?
Always hard to go past Terrigal-Avoca

WOMEN’S TEAM PROFILE
Co-Coach, Peter Kelleher –

The team is looking great for 2019. There is a sense of unfinished business throughout the group after being bundled out of the Preliminary final last year by a rampaging Newcastle City Stars.

Preseason has been strong. Our skills have shown a marked improvement since last year so we have been able to focus more on fitness and playing a better brand of football.

Who has been lighting up preseason/which player is the one to watch in 2019?
New to the game last year, Teneale Toker has been on fire through her first pre-season, and Kelsey Acton is top of the class in skills and fitness.

Big Ins:
Sasha Edwards looks like she’ll fit straight into the team after moving back from Victoria with her husband Brad. We’ve also been lucky enough to pick up some cross-coders from Oztag, so they’re new to the sport but are already fit and extremely keen.
Big Outs:
Losing Tonicah Eslick our leading goal kicker from last season due to work commitments ,will big a loss and the travel itch will hit us hard again this year with 3 regular starters leaving for the USA very early in the season.

Who is the team to beat in 2019?
Newcastle City are always very strong but we’re looking at Wallsend West Newcastle Swans to be the dark horse in this year’s competition. Terrigal Avoca will perform strongly as well as a second year team.

MEN’S PLATE UPDATE
Coach, Jimmy Newburn –

Team looks good for 2019, a few of the older guys have moved on but with the expected new arrivals in premier division we should have a number of guys with premier division experience playing reserve grade each week.

Who is the team to beat in 2019?
Terrigal Avoca were unbeaten last year and I expect them to be the team to beat again, very well drilled and skilled side for a reserve grade outfit

PRESEASON GAMES
March 9th
Men v Sydney Uni
Women v Bateau Bay & Wallsend (round robin)

March 16th
Men v Randwick
Women v Western Suburbs

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Mortgage Choice Tumbi Umbi – John Acton and his team have been a huge supporter of our women’s team over the last 3 years and that continues in 2019 again as our Women’s Team Major Sponsor. His commitment to not only our women’s team and club but to women’s sport in general cannot be understated. It’s fantastic to see local businesses get behind sporting organisations.