McMurray Wins Night Series Final Late for Perth

A goal three minutes from time from Perth SC striker Ian McMurray has given the Dorrien Gardens club a come from behind 2-1 victory against Western Knights in the final of the Bam Creative Night Series in front of a huge crowd at the Clipsal Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Knights had led at the break with a Stuart Montgomery strike but with six minutes to go Greg Sharland curled in a superb free kick to level before McMurray headed home from close-range after Knights keeper Frazer Siddall could only parry another Sharland set piece into his path.

It completed a fifth consecutive night series crown for Perth, and McMurray was happy to score the winner. “We’re very happy with the win, I thought we started well but the Knights scored a good goal and we sat back and really didn’t play that well to be honest and we couldn’t get our game plan going. But Greg’s (Sharland) free kick gave us confidence near the end and I was there to finish off his second free kick late on, so I’m delighted,” said McMurray.

Both sides made changes for the final, the Knights made one change from the side that beat Sorrento in the Semi-final, bringing back skipper David Annall in place of Anthony Campbell who dropped to the bench. While Graham Normanton made three changes to the side that beat ECU Joondalup last week, Luke Martino replaced Jason Saldaris in goal, while David Onoforo and Robert Sciascia replaced Genaveo Human and Simon Wilson, who both dropped to the bench.

Before the game the big crowd stood for a minute’s silence for Doris Marocchi, mother of former Perth Italia and Socceroos Gary, who passed away in the week.

It was Perth who opened the brighter and the first chance fell to Onoforo on seven minutes. After good work on the right by Sciascia, his cross found the striker at the back post but he fired wide.

Moments later a quickly taken free kick from Dom de Felice sent Sharland clear down the left, the former Perth Glory winger’s dangerous cross was well claimed by the alert Frazer Siddall with Onoforo ready to pounce.
The Knights, who lost to Perth in last season’s top five finals, began to get their passing game going and on 18 minutes and had their best chance of the game. Daniel Micevski’s good run and shot was well saved by Martino at his near post.

It was the Knights who were dictating terms and on 23 minutes Simon Versaico found space down the right. The former Canning City midfielder picked out Daniel Trim in the box, he chested down to Paul van Dongen, whose shot from eight-yards was well saved by Martino.

Their pressure paid off four minutes later when they hit the front. A long ball into the box was misjudged by Perth defender Trent Kay, and Montgomery pounced and fired home low past a stranded Martino.

On the balance of play the Knights deserved their lead, and they went close to doubling it on 39 minutes. Again it was Daniel Micevski who provided the run and cross and Trim’s header looped up over Martino, but landed on top of the net.

Perth were struggling to get their passing game going, but they should have equalised three minutes before half time. Sciascia’s corner from the left found the unmarked Robbie Puca at the back post but he Perth skipper headed wide from close-range.

The Knights opened the second half well, and Versaico’s cross found Trim, his shot was blocked, the rebound falling to Montgomery whose shot was well saved by Martino, who was keeping his side in the game.

It was all the Knights as Paul Price’s side looked for the second goal to kill off the game, and when Daniel Micevski’s corner from the left fell to Annall at the back post the Knights skipper volleyed wide.

Martino came to his sides rescue again on the hour tipping over a Trim header, and moments later Versaico, who was causing Perth allsorts of problems, crossed from the right, Trim headed back across goal but David Price blazed over from close-range.

It looked like it was going to be the Knights night, but they just couldn’t find the second goal to finish Perth off. Montgomery saw his long-range shot flash just wide of the post on 80 minutes.

Perth pressed late looking to get back in the game and they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box on 84 minutes after referee David Scragg spotted a handball from David Price. Sharland stepped up and curled a superb free kick up and over the wall and into the top corner of the net, giving Frazer Siddall no chance.

It was a bitter blow for the Knights, but it got worse three minutes later. Another Sharland free kick, 20-yards from goal, bounced just in front of Siddall who could only parry the ball into the path of McMurray who headed home much to the delight of the Perth supporters.

It then went from bad to worse for the Knights, when in stoppage time Daniel Micevski was given a second yellow card by referee Scragg and was sent off.

But the Knights still had one last chance to send the game into extra time. A good run and cross from David Price in the fifth minute of stoppage time picked out Campbell but his header was straight at Martino who saved.

At the final whistle the Perth player’s celebrated another night series crown and Coach Graham Normanton was happy to get the win. “We really didn’t come to the party tonight, but we ground it out to the final whistle and we got the late goals and that’s football I suppose,” said a relieved Normanton.

“Fair play to the Knight’s they took the game at us and I thought they deserved to win the game tonight but at the end of the day it’s goals that count. They had seven or eight shots in the first fifteen minutes of the second half and didn’t convert we had two at the end and scored from both of them,” added Normanton.

Western Knights: GK Frazer SIDDALL, 2 Garth LECKY, 3 Duncan HIND, 4 Paul VAN DONGEN, 5 David ANNALL, 6 David PRICE, 7 Daniel MICEVSKI, 8 Daniel TRIM (11 Anthony CAMPBELL 73’), 9 Simon VERSAICO, 10 David MICEVSKI, 11 Anthony CAMPBELL, 19 Stuart MONTGOMERY

Substitutes not used: RGK Jacob CHUDY, 12 Daanial FRANCIS, 13 Marco WARMT-MURRAY, 17 Stuart SIDDALL
Yellow Cards – Price, 35’, Lecky 46’, David Micevski 59’, Daniel Micevski 86’ & 92’
Red Cards – Daniel Micevski 92’

Perth SC: GK Luke MARTINO, 2 Trent KAY, 5 Michael BLACK (10 Andreas OLIVIERA 46’), 6 Shaun KILKELLY, 7 Matt DANSKIN (13 Simon WILSON 72’), 8 Robbie PUCA, 9 David ONOFORO (17 Genaveo HUMAN 61’), 16 Ian MCMURRAY, 18 Dom DE FELICE 23 Greg SHARLAND, 24 Robert SCIASCIA.

Subs not used: RGK Jason SALDARIS, 15 Jack CLISBY
Yellow Cards – Kilkelly 1’, Kay 41’, Oliviera 51’,
Red Cards –

Referee – David Scragg
Assistants – Hugh Best and Josh Mihevic

Night series final Preview

The first silverware for the season is up for grabs this weekend with the final of the Bam Creative Night series between last season’s winners Perth SC and Western Knights at Clipsal Stadium on Sunday evening (6pm)

Both sides suffered shock losses in the opening group games, Perth losing 1-2 to Cockburn City, while the Knights were beaten 0-1 by Premier League new boys Balcatta, but both have been back to their best in the quarter and semi finals and Sunday’s game will be a cracker.

Knights’ keeper Frazer Siddall is looking forward to the game, and believes they head into the game full of confidence. “We had a hiccup in the opening game, but with no disrespect to Balcatta, that was only our second game as a squad and weren’t at full strength. We definitely missed the influence of David and Daniel Micevski that day, since then we have begun to settle as a team and the squad is finally start to bond as a unit more, especially since we had a lot of departures and some great new signings such as Stuart Montgomery and Paul van Dongen,” said Siddall.

After losing to Perth in last season’s top five finals, Siddall believes that is now in the past, and the club are looking forward. “On Sunday I would love to win no matter who it is against, obviously Perth beat us in the finals last season and it would be nice to beat them on Sunday, even if we do it won’t erase the memories of last year, I think I can speak from the squad when I say we hate losing with a passion and I know I don’t want that feeling of losing in a final to Perth again,” added Siddall.

Perth midfielder Greg Sharland and Knights playmaker David Micevski have been in great form for their respective clubs and both will play a huge part in Sunday’s game and both are looking forward to the big game. “A great rivalry has started to begin between the teams and I know we are all looking forward to a big game,” said Sharland.

“They have acquired some quality players in the off season and with David and Daniel Micevski now back they have a lot of players that can win the game of their own boot.  I feel we have a squad that is capable of anything this year and with more youngsters coming through the ranks spots will be hotly contested, and this can only be good for the club,” added Sharland.

The defeat against Cockburn made Perth more determined and they hammered Swan United 7-0 in their next group game, and Sharland believes they are improving with every game. “The squad has definitely moved forwards throughout the competition. In the first game Cockburn really put in a strong performance against us however we felt in the second half we should have got more from the game,” said Sharland.

“With Normo and Coyney they never base our games on score lines always on performance so I think the whole squad knew we would pick results up as the competition went on.  It is great to be part of another grand final match and hopefully the boys can make it a record five in a row,” added Sharland.

Micevski missed the Balcatta game but he believes the Knights have started to gel in recent weeks. “I missed the Balcatta game but we have improved gradually through the group stages. Since my brother and I return it’s nice that we have made such a positive influence to the side, and we’re beginning to gel and will only get better the more games we play,” said Micevski.

On Sunday the Knights will be tough opponents and Sharland believes it will be tough game. “Obviously with Dave Micevski having the year he did last year we will need to watch him closely however I am really looking forward in taking on their new recruit Paul Van Dongen.

“I have known Paul all my life as he has been a neighbour since I was born. He had a great year in a struggling side last season and after scoring the winner against a very good Floreat side last week I know he is just as pumped as I am for another big game,” explained Sharland.

Former Perth SC player, Micevski, knows Saturday will be tough game but one he’s looking forward to. “After being the best team after 22 rounds last season it was disappointing not to win the grand final and be crowned champions. We owe them one and hopefully we can come away with the win on Sunday,” said Micevski.

“We know it will not be easy, as they have some quality players. Dave Onoforo seems to have a knack of scoring against us so we need to keep a close eye on him. Also we can’t allow players like Robbie Puca and Greg Sharland too much time on the ball as they will hurt you,” added Micevski.

All in all it should be a great night of entertain so get down and support your team – entry is only $8 adults and $6 concessions with under-15’s admitted free.

Hett ready to return

In 2008 the first Fox 8 Football Superstars winner, Perth’s Adam Hett, won the competition and a contract with A-League side Sydney FC. Tragically the then 19-year-old injured a knee in training on the eve of the A-league, and missed the whole season.

He’s back in training now and has joined NSW Super League side Spirit FC for the 2010 season and can’t wait to get back on the park. “It happened just in a tackle at training, which was unfortunate, but my knee is feeling really strong at the moment, but it’s been a long process especially with how the timing of the seasons worked out.,” said Hett.

“By the time I came back from the injury and started playing again the 2009/10 A-league season had already started so I missed out on another contract at Sydney F.C, so I’ve had to wait for the state league season to start over here before I could get back playing again,” added the former Perth SC midfielder.

It was a bitter blow for Hett as he had trained well and looked like pushing into the first team squad in the pre-season for Sydney, but it hasn’t put him off trying his luck in the A-league again. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sydney. I’m training really hard at the moment trying to get super fit again and keep injury free and strong and hopefully I can make the transition back into A-League football.

“This season my aim is to just get my confidence back playing again. After that my first goal is to try get back in the A League as soon as possible. If that doesn’t happen then I’ll be looking at either staying in Sydney and playing in the N.S.W premier league or returning to the Football West Premier League,” explained Hett.

Hett is looking forward to the season at Spirit FC and he hopes to get his match fitness back, in a league he believes is a similar standard to the Football West Premier League. “The season starts here in two weeks but at the moment pre season is going well. I would say it’s fairly similar to back in WA, and I would say that clubs such as Perth and Western Knights would do extremely well over here,” said Hett.

The 21-year-old spent a number of season’s at Dorrien Gardens after a stint at English Championship side Coventry City, and as Perth SC head into another Night Series final this weekend he remembers the coaches at the club that helped him along the way. “I enjoyed my time at Perth and all three coaches John Coyne, and Aldo Trinca and Graham Normanton gave me good advice.

“Aldo helped me make the transition into youth football and I spent a few years with Coynie and he really helped me develop my game by making me go and get on the ball as much as possible. In my last year at Perth under Normo he encouraged me to try and add more toughness to my game and helped me a lot with my defensive game,” said Hett.

The Football Superstars turned the youngster into an instant hit on the TV, and he would recommend other players to try out this year. “I don’t have any regrets about the show. I think that with the National Youth League up and running now players should be trying to get into professional football through trialling with there A-League youth teams and playing well at state league level. However, the show is also a great opportunity and is a great experience,” said Hett.

“It was a big achievement for me to win the show and it was very rewarding. I have had some great times in football and that was up there with them. My time at Coventry was also something I will never forget, and one game that sticks out was a reserves game for them against Chelsea in the English Premier League Reserves League.

“England international Joe Cole was coming back from injury and played so lining up against him in the middle of the park was a fantastic experience. Also playing in the F.A youth cup against Reading at the Madjeski stadium was a another highlight of my time in the UK,” added Hett.

It wouldn’t have happened for the youngster is he didn’t have the support of his family and his father has been a huge influence in his career. “My Dad has definitely been my biggest influence on my football. Up until the age of 17 when I went to England we spent endless hours at the park working on things, and I still call him for advice on my game even now.

“I’ve had many good coaches in my football, John Coyne encouraged me to express myself and have confidence in my ability, and obviously I also learnt a lot from people like Mickey Adams and Ian Dowie when I was at Coventry and also John Kosmina and Steve O’Connor while I was at Sydney,” explained Hett.

Perth Edge Joondalup in Night Series Semi

Perth SC has cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win over ECU Joondalup at E&D Litis Stadium to reach the Bam Creative Night Series Final.

Goals from Shaun Kilkelly, Ian McMurray and substitute Andreas Oliveira secured the win for Perth in front of a crowd of 350 at the pre-season Semi Final.

The 2009 Champions and reigning Night Series winners begun well with Domenico De Felice nearly slotting the opener, but ECU had a man on the last line of defence to stop a certain goal.

Geneveo Human tried to find the scoreboard but failed to hit the target soon after when he was found unmarked in the 18-yard box, with his shot travelling just wide of the near post.

A Joondalup set-piece picked out striker John Thornley, but his header lacked power and just went wide of the target.

Greg Sharland’s corner from the left brought upon the opener for Perth as it went beyond the far post, was kept in play and finally bundled home by Shaun Kilkelly.

ECU continued to mount attacks forward and responded just before half time through Golden Boot winner Phil O’Callaghan.

The former Stirling Lions and Mandurah City striker used his predatory instincts to follow-up Thornley’s header which rebounded off the crossbar and O’Callaghan positioned himself well to finish from close range.

Just as it looked like being locked at 1-1 for the main break, Perth were able to grab a slender lead after Human’s shot deflected off McMurray to bamboozle ECU ‘keeper Andy Banks and find the back of the net.

Joondalup needed an inspiring half-time message from coach Syd Amphlett to lift the side struggling to match the reigning champions and ECU opted to stay out on the pitch for the interval as Amphlett instructed his troops.

However, their day got worse when Aryn Williams was given his marching orders by referee Paul Anderson after causing a melee to break out in the middle of the park.

Sharland could have extended his side’s lead but opted to pass across the face of goal instead of shooting himself, wasting a valuable chance for Perth.

ECU defender Scott Bushby then went on a mazy run to break free of the Perth defence, but he also wasted his chance to get on the scoreboard.

Substitute Jack Clisby nearly made an instant impact after he stole the ball off ECU’s Garin Collins on the left wing and crossed perfectly for David Onoforo, but the striker missed his attempted volley.

Thornley had a chance in the dying stages to bring his side level, but his powerful shot after displaying a great touch to control the ball was saved brilliantly by young Perth ‘keeper Jason Saldaris.

Onoforo soon had another chance in added time to finish the match off but the striker broke into the box and his shot was saved on the line by the ECU defence, with the rebound finished by fellow substitute Andreas Oliveira to clinch a 3-1 win.

Perth will now take on bitter rivals Western Knights in the title decider next Sunday at Clipsal Stadium with kick-off at 6pm.

Perth SC: GK Jason SALDARIS, 2 Trent KAY, 5 Michael BLACK, 6 Shaun KILKELLY, 7 Matt DANSKIN (15 Jack CLISBY 70′), 8 Rob PUCA, 13 Simon WILSON, 16 Ian McMURRAY (9 David ONOFORO 65′), 17 Geneveo HUMAN (10 Andreas OLIVEIRA 70′), 18 Domenico DE FELICE, 23 Greg SHARLAND
Substitutes not used: RGK Luke MARTINO, 14 Nathan RAWES

ECU Joondalup: GK Andy BANKS, 2 Garin COLLINS, 3 Chris WYLIE, 6 John HIGGINS, 8 Scott BUSHBY, 9 Jake BENSON-COOPER (15 Daniel ALLEN 65′), 11 Phil O’CALLAGHAN, 12 Michael CURRIE (10 Jamie WATT 65′), 13 John THORNLEY, 14 Aryn WILLIAMS, 23 Charlie COMYN-PLATT
Substitutes not used: RGK Tom DIXON, 18 Brandon O’NEILL

Report by Chris Correia

Night Series Semi Final Results

BAM CREATIVE NIGHT SERIES SEMI FINAL RESULTS

Sorrento 3 (Foster 16, 47, Mirco 66) v Western Knights 4 (Price 32, Van Dongen 46, Micevski 62, Montgomery 85)

ECU Joondalup 1 (O’Callaghan 41) v Perth SC 3 (Killelly 29, McMurray 45, Oliviera 89)

Kovacevic New Coach at Floreat

After the shock departure of coach Michael Roki from Floreat Athena for work and family issues, the club have acted swiftly to appoint former Perth Glory and Melbourne Knights defender Ante Kovacevic as senior coach for 2010.

The big defender, who has been the Football Operations and Team Manager at the Glory this season, is delighted to take up the challenge at the Litis Stadium club. “I am proud and somewhat elated to be given the opportunity to manage a highly regarded club in the top flight WA football competition and I thank the board for backing my appointment. I look forward to their support and working with them, and with football management having been a personal career goal of mine I’m delighted and it has now happened.” said Kovacevic.

Kovacevic a veteran of 276 NSL and A-League games, including 32 for Perth Glory still has the passion, drive and fitness to take Athena to the next level, but he knows he has big shoes to fill. “The bar has been set high at Athena under Michael, and this was noticeable when I arrived here four years ago. It was fantastic to be part of the recent success, particularly being involved as a player in the undefeated 2007 team,” said Kovacevic.

“I am now excited about the chance to hopefully bring some more silverware to the club as a manager and player when needed. I personally know what our players are capable of and I am excited about managing them. We know as a club that we need to go the extra mile and work hard if we are to reap the rewards that success brings, and I want to be part of this,” added Kovacevic.

Athena President Con Poulios said: “It was never going to be easy to replace Michael Roki, however, the appointment of Ante – a past club champion from our 2007 undefeated year – to the top job at our club is certainly a popular choice amongst all the Athena family including our players, coaches, supporters, loyal sponsors and our board of management. He is a total football professional, and as a club we are planning for and demanding success and Ante is now in a position to impart his knowledge, skills and abilities at all levels to help steer us towards the goals we have set.”

Night Series Semi-Final Preview

It’s semi-final time in the Bam Creative Night Series this weekend with both games taking place at The E&D Litis Stadium on Saturday evening. The early game see’s Sorrento taking on Western Knights at 6pm.

The sides met in the group phase stage with the Knights running our convincing 5-1 winners, and the Gulls will hope to change things on Saturday. Striker David Foster’s return to Percy Doyle reserve has been impressive, and he teams up with Todd Harnwell up front, while new keeper Andy Banks will have to be at his best if they are to reverse the last result.

The Knights are coming off a hard fought 2-1 win against Floreat Athena in the quarter finals, and go into the game as favourites. Paul Van Dongen has fitted in really well at Nash Field and his partnership in the middle of the park with David Micevski will be vital on Saturday. Up front Stuart Montgomery comes up against his former club and will be looking to get on the score sheet, while David Annall continues to perform well at the back.

The second game pits Perth SC against ECU Joondalup at 8pm. Perth will hope to continue their sensational night series form, having won the past four competitions, but ECU will have other ideas. Phil O’Callaghan has fitted in nicely up front for them while Chris Wylie and Michael Currie have added depth to the squad. Dale McCulloch was outstanding last season and he will hope to continue it this season.

ECU old boy Ian McMurray comes up against his former club for the first time since he left and his partnership with David Onoforo will need to be watched closely by the ECU defence. Youngster Robert Sciascia and Michael Black continue to impress in midfield while Matt Danskin and Shaun Kilkelly have been outstanding at the back.

It should be a great night of entertaining football, get down and support local football – admission is $8 adults, $6 concessions and under 15’s are admitted free.

McCulloch relishing Perth v ECU clash

When ECU Joondalup meet Perth SC on Saturday in the semi-finals of the Night Series one player who will be relishing the challenge against the reigning champions, is Dale McCulloch.

The Scottish midfielder, who was a revelation after joining ECU from Mandurah City last season, believes Saturday’s game will be a tight contest. “Perth are a very good side and as a player you always want to play against the best and I’m really looking forward to the game. We match up well against them and beat them last season at our place and we go into the game full of confidence. We know they are a good team and have quality all over the park, but one thing I do know is we will make it tough for them come Saturday night,” said McCulloch.

ECU overcame Cockburn City 2-1 to advance to the semi-final and McCulloch believes there is still improvement in the side. “I thought we all worked very hard and really could have had a couple more goals on the night. Cockburn are a good side, but we kept really disciplined and kept to our game plan and we ran out worthy winners in the end. We hope to improve on that performance against Perth and if we do a place in the final is the reward,” explained McCulloch.

There have been a number of new faces at the ECU University Arena this season and McCulloch likes what he sees. “All the new boys have settled right in nicely, Andy Banks is a great lad and we are all very comfortable with him between the sticks. A few of them we knew well so it makes it a lot easier, we had four new players that started last weekend and they all played really well, which will give Syd some selection headaches this week,” said McCulloch.

McCulloch is enjoying his football at ECU, and thinks Coaches Syd Amphlett and Gary Church are putting together a good squad. “Syd and Churchy are good mates and trust each other, which is half the battle sometimes. The enthusiasm of the two of them really rubs of on the players and it gets the best out of us,” said McCulloch.

It’s been a special time for the 28-year-old off the pitch last year, when he walked down the aisle with his fiancée Sam. “Married life is great, .Sam is a great girl and we are expecting our first child in July so something else that we are really looking forward to,” said McCulloch.

McMurray looking forward to ECU clash

A year after Ian McMurray left ECU Joondalup to join Perth SC, on Saturday will be the first time the big Scottish striker will face his former teammates. “I’m looking forward to the game against ECU, it will be my first time competing  against some old team mates and hopefully I can get myself on the scoresheet, a couple of times would be nice,” said McMurray.

The 33-year-old knows it will be a tough test, and knows they will be up for the game. “I’m sure Syd (Amphlett) will have the boys fired up and ready for the match. It will be a hard game, as ECU has made some strong additions to their squad. They had a great result against Cockburn City in the previous round and I’m sure they will want to continue that against us. Both teams are playing well at the moment, I’m sure it will be a hard, physical match with some great football, it should be a great game,” added McMurray.

A strong performance in the quarter finals against Mandurah City saw Perth progress into the semis and McMurray was happy with the performance. “It was a comfortable win for us on Sunday.  We had a good first half, scoring two good goals. I felt we controlled the game but took our foot off the pedal a bit in the second half, especially after the third goal, we can’t afford that against ECU. The scoreline could have been greater, but some good goalkeeping from Phil Straker prevented us increasing the lead. We know we can play better, but we got the win and it keeps us in contention for winning the night series,” explained McMurray.

After a first up defeat, Perth has played some good football and McMurray believes the youngster at the club have been outstanding, and the return of two club stalwarts has given Perth a lift. “The young lads who have come in have been great and thoroughly deserve to be there. A lot of them played last year when asked upon and did a great job for us. This year they will be trying to secure a permanent spot in the team. All the players work hard in training, youngsters included, and Normo knows what every player is capable of and no matter what age, if you are good enough, you’ll be in the team,” said McMurray.

“It’s great to have both Robbie Puca and Andreas Oliviera back after lengthy absences. They have both worked extremely hard to get back and it’s like having two new players in the squad. They are both, quality players who not only create things, but can also score goals,” added McMurray.

McMurray struggled with a knee injury last season, but he is fit and ready to go in the new season, and after a meeting with Coach Graham Normanton he knew Dorrien Gardens was the home for him in 2010. “The knee is all good now, and I’ve had a good pre-season and feeling very fit. Hopefully I can stay that way through out the season,” said McMurray.

“I had some interest from a few teams in the close season and having spent a few years at ECU, I knew the rumours would be about me returning there. I met up with Normo and had a chat with him and after that my decision was made. I’m really enjoying myself at Perth. It’s a very well run professional club,” said McMurray.

“There is a great atmosphere within the whole club and I’m just glad to be part of it. All the lads know when to work hard but also enjoy a laugh or two. Training is always structured, hard going, but very enjoyable. Normo is a top manager who always wants and gets the best out of each player and each team he puts on the park, and I’m delighted to be part of it this season,” added McMurray.

Martin set for Sorrento return

It’s a been a season of change at Percy Doyle Reserve with up to eight Sorrento first team players moving away from the club in the off season, while Trevor Morgan has taken over as head coach from Steve Neville.

One player who has missed the start of the pre-season is midfielder Brodie Martin. The former state under 19’s and 23’s player is on the mend after surgery and is hoping to be back early in the season. “I struggled last season with osteitis pubis which didn’t respond well to lengthy rest or rehab so I went in for ‘pubis scrape’ and a couple of hernia’s looked at the end of the season,” said Martin.

“I’ve been on the bike for the last couple of weeks now and it’s just a matter of progressing it along, and I hope to be back playing in April,” added Martin.

The 22-year-old watched from the stands when The Gulls beat Balcatta in the quarter finals of the Bam Creative Night Series last weekend and he was delighted with the performance. “The boys were certainly keen to make amends for the loss against the Knights in the final game of the group phase. It was a solid performance all over the park and everyone contributed, and it was good to see a few younger players putting in good performances as well,” explained Martin.

The former Bolton Wanderers reserve coach, Morgan, has brought in some new faces to the squad this season and Martin believes they have added strength to the squad. “It’s certainly not ideal losing eight players from last season, but perhaps it will be a blessing in disguise,” said Martin.

“The new lads have settled in really well and I’ve been especially impressed with David Foster’s start to his second stint at the club, while keeper Tom Woodhead is another new lad that has settled in really well and performed well in the night series. Sorrento has always had good keepers and it looks like the tradition will continue with Tom,” added Martin.

Martin, who has been at the Gulls since he was 11-years-old, other than a short unsuccessful stint at Inglewood, has also represented WA at junior and senior levels, and he has had many coaches in his time but he doesn’t look any further than former Gulls Coach Steve Neville, who he believes has been the biggest influence on his football. “I been fortunate to play for my state which is always a great honour, but the highlight for me was captaining the under 19’s in Singapore, and to play senior state football against Malaysia and Indonesia was fantastic,” said Martin

“All the way I’ve had many good coaches, but the most influential to me would be Steve (Neville). I have basically had him as a coach since I was 14, and I have always enjoyed his training. Next season Trevor and Steve will get us playing to our strengths and as a team and I think we will have a strong squad to finish in the top five,” added Martin.

There will be another Martin in the clubs coaching staff this season with Brodie’s farther Steve, coming on board as the clubs goalkeeping coach. “Dad has always been a major influence on my football. He’s always been there for advice and encouragement and of course the travel when I was younger. He was a good keeper back in his day and he enjoys being able to pass on his experience to the keepers down at the club,” said Martin.

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