The start of a new NPL season always brings with it massive possibilities and the dreams of all eight clubs are the same, to make the top four and, ultimately take home the League Championship title and the Grand Final. There has been plenty of movement within our Premier League clubs for 2022 and the competition appears to be very open and difficult to predict. Here we look at the clubs who will form NPL1 in 2022.
BELCONNEN UNITED
Head Coach: Michael ZAKOSKI
A new dawn looms for Belconnen United under their young and up-and-coming Head Coach Michael Zakoski who has moved across from the WNPL program to take the reigns at the Blue Devils. With a new coach comes new ideas and playing styles, and Zakoski wasted no time in bringing in a raft of new signings to augment his tactical plans. There’s been a sea-change in terms of personnel with many of the Blue Devils new recruits familiar with Zakoski’s intent from his U23 days at Canberra Olympic. Early indications have been good with some excellent performances in pre-season added to a superb Australia Cup Qualifying Round win over Gungahlin United. Interesting new acquisitions have arrived to supplement the firepower in the form of Luke Vallone from Adamstown Rosebud and, more locally, Colombian forward Juan Ospina who has joined from West Canberra Wanderers whilst there’s guile in Jonathan Kerszberg and a top class shot-stopper in the shape of Alex Connell.
In: Alex CONNELL (Canberra Olympic), Adam FORNER (Canberra Olympic), Geordie FREEMAN (Weston-Molonglo FC), Jayde JAMES-WARD (O’Connor Knights), Jonathan KERSZBERG (Canberra Olympic), Tyson LIVERMORE (Canberra Olympic), Juan OSPINA (West Canberra Wanderers), Chris REAY (Canberra Olympic), Michael SOUTHAM (Canberra Olympic), Jonathan TUREK (Tuggeranong United), Luke VALLONE (Adamstown Rosebud), Nick ZAKOSKI (Sabbatical)
Out: Darren BAILEY (Monaro Panthers), Taylor BEATON (Sabbatical), Nelson CURLEY (Canberra Olympic), Luca FLOREZ (Canberra Olympic), Adrian MACOR (Canberra Olympic), Luca MACOR (Canberra Olympic), Max MELLICK (Canberra Olympic), Michael PICCOLO (Canberra Croatia), Curtis SCHAEFFER (Brindabella Blues), Murphy SHAW (Gungahlin United), Cassidy TANDDO (Canberra Croatia), Michael TAURASI, Jordan THURTELL (Monaro Panthers), Bailey TOSCAN
PRE-SEASON RESULTS
22/1/22 v Corrimal Rangers (h) W 2-1 (Reay, Vucetic)
29/1/22 v Tarrawanna Blueys (h) L 1-3 (Ospina)
6/2/22 v NSW Spirit (h) L 1-2 (Green)
19/2/22 v Bulli FC (a) – Cancelled
1/3/22 v White Eagles (h) W 2-0 (Reay, Vallone)
5/3/22 v O’Connor Knights (h) W 4-3 (Reay, Vallone, Garang (og), Kreskas)
CANBERRA CROATIA
Head Coach: Dean UGRINIC
Perennial title chasers Canberra Croatia have shuffled their deck in 2022 losing a couple of experienced stalwarts but replacing them with some real quality. It’s no surprise that the record title-holders have been serious admirers of forward Stephen Domenici for several years now and, under Dean Ugrinic, have finally snaffled their man, luring him across from Monaro Panthers. Domenici might not have the speed of his youth, but still possess an unerring eye for goal and will be tasked with providing the goals for a team where expectations are high. Interstate arrivals Teeboy Kamara, who played five matches with the Australian U17 team, and Rory Spiers will add to the attacking threat whilst Michael Piccolo joins to add verve, exuberance, and no little skill into the midfield. Further back Marco Gayer makes the transition from Tuggeranong United and will fight for a place in the back four along with young centre-back Cassidy Tanddo. Likely to be top four contenders.
In: Stephen DOMENICI (Monaro Panthers), Marco GAYER (Tuggeranong United), Teeboy KAMARA (Green Gully), Michael PICCOLO (Belconnen United), Rory SPIERS (Manly United), Cassidy TANDDO (Belconnen United), Hristijan TANOSKI
Out: Daniel COLBERTALDO (Retired), Thomas JAMES (Marconi Stallions), Nikos KALFAS (Monaro Panthers), Amilio KISTA (Monaro Panthers), Nikola TANESKI (Sutherland Shire), Marko VRKIC (Retired), Matthew WATERS (Melbourne)
PRE-SEASON RESULTS
5/2/22 v Coniston FC (h) W 3-1 (Spears, Keir, own goal)
12/2/22 v South Coast United (h) W 7-2 (Tanoski (2, 2p), Barac, Busek, Ugrinic, Pilkington, own goal)
19/2/22 v Wollongong Olympic (a) – Cancelled
26/2/22 v Blacktown City (h) L 1-2 (Barac)
8/3/22 v ANU FC (n) D 2-2 (Keir, Domenici)
26/3/22 v Queanbeyan City (a)
CANBERRA OLYMPIC
Head Coach: Robbie CATTANACH
It’s been a busy off-season for Canberra Olympic Head Coach Robbie Cattanach who has added plenty of class and NPL quality to his pack for 2022, raiding Belconnen United in particular for a clutch of young, yet seasoned, NPL talent. Amongst those lured from the Blue Devils were Adrian and Luca Macor, adding silk and steel to the engine room, the energetic Max Mellick, who will likely play fullback, and the outstanding Luca Florez who offers pace and penetration in the final third. Excitingly, Cattanach has welcomed travelled goalkeeper Sebastian Usai to his playing group, the shot-stopper listing Blackburn Rovers amongst a plethora of experience earned overseas. Seamus Carr and Mark Shields come across from West Canberra Wanderers and Queanbeyan City respectively to add some experience to a relatively youthful squad and both made their competitive debut in the 4-0 defeat of Tigers FC in the Australia Cup Qualifying Round.
In: Seamus CARR (West Canberra Wanderers), Nelson CURELY (Belconnen United), Luca FLOREZ (Belconnen United), Adrian MACOR (Belconnen United), Luca MACOR (Belconnen United), David MCCARRON (O’Connor Knights), Max MELLICK (Belconnen United), Mark SHIELDS (Queanbeyan City), Sebastian USAI (Logan Lightning)
Out: Rhys ANDERSON (Gungahlin United), James CHRISTIS (Gungahlin United), Alex CONNELL (Belconnen United), James CRAWFORD (University), Adam FORNER (Belconnen United), Jonathan KERSZBERG (Belconnen United), Tyson LIVERMORE (Belconnen United), Chris REAY (Belconnen United), Michael SOUTHAM (Belconnen United)
PRE-SEASON RESULTS
5/12/21 v Queanbeyan City (AIS) D 1-1 (Exarhos)
5/2/22 v Wollongong Olympic (AIS) – Cancelled
8/2/22 v Brindabella Blues (AIS) W 5-1 (Ringi, L. Macor, James, Faust, Mellick)
12/2/22 v Albion Park (a) L 1-5 (Florez)
19/2/22 v White Eagles (AIS) D 2-2 (Ringi, McCarron)
26/2/22 v ANU (Hawker) L 2-3 (Florez, L. Macor)
10/3/22 v Tuggeranong United (n) W 1-0 (Rohan-Jones)
GUNGAHLIN UNITED
Head Coach: Marcial MUNOZ
There are minimal changes for Gungahlin United under Head Coach Marcial Munoz as the Gunners look to build on their third place finish from 2021. Munoz has welcomed back a trio of former Gungahlin players with the return of midfielders Tom McLachlan and the Habtemariam brothers, Jeremy, and Samuel. There will be a sense of unfinished business for those players who, despite winning a Grand Final in the black and white stripes, obviously feel there is more to add to the mantelpiece. A chastening Australia Cup exit at the hands of Belconnen United hinted at the work that needs to be done for the Gunners, but in Nick Rathjen, recently called up to the Futsalroos, and Jack Green, they possess two of the best players in the competition in their respective positions. Up front the talismanic goal-getting of Philippe Bernabo-Madrid will no doubt be in full flow, and if he can link up with Michael John and Misko Naumoski to the same effect as in 2021, the Gunners could challenge.
In: Rhys ANDERSON (Canberra Olympic), James CHRISTIS (Canberra Olympic), Jeremy HABTEMARIAM (Monaro Panthers), Samuel HABTEMARIAM (Monaro Panthers), Tom MCLACHLAN (Monaro Panthers), Murphy SHAW (Belconnen United)
Out: Roy ANDERSON (South Melbourne) Moses GARANG (O’Connor Knights), Ryan GULEVSKI (Queanbeyan City),Tom KRKLEC (Tigers FC), Josh LAGUDAH (Northern Territory), Alexandru URICARU (Queanbeyan City)
PRE-SEASON RESULTS
4/12/21 v O’Connor Knights (n) D 3-3 (Bernabo-Madrid, Gaspari (2))
5/2/22 v Queanbeyan City (a) W 2-1 (Bernabo-Madrid, Roberts)
12/2/22 v O’Connor Knights (a) D 2-2 (Bernabo-Madrid, Stamatis)
19/2/22 v Wollongong Wolves (h) L 1-3 (Angelosante)
20/2/22 v Tigers FC (n) L 1-2 (Tunney)
3/3/22 v West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 1-3 (Green)
6/3/22 v White Eagles (AIS) W 6-3 (John, Giampaolo, Stamatis, Rowley, Roberts (2))
12/3/22 v Brindabella Blues (n) W 3-1 (Bernabo-Madrid, John, Green)
27/3/22 v Tuggeranong United (h) L 1-5 (Bernabo-Madrid)
MONARO PANTHERS
Head Coach: Frank CACHIA
After a season in which they fell at the final hurdle in Australia Cup Qualifying, and ended the shortened campaign in fourth, there are signs that 2022 could be a good year for the men in green and black. Head Coach Frank Cachia has wasted little time in adding lots of quality and depth to their roster and the Panthers showcased their talent with a 7-1 hammering of League Champions Tigers FC in the Charity Shield. Everywhere you look in the squad there has been a notable addition, from goalkeeper Jordan Thurtell and defenders Adam De Franceschi and Darren Bailey, through midfielders Gabe Cole and Amilio Kista, to the forward line which will boast Jai Selden and the free-scoring Andre Carle. Keep an eye out too for Zac McLaren, a late inclusion from Wollongong United, who looks full of energy and desire and might prove to be a key signing.
In: Darren BAILEY (Belconnen United), Andre CARLE (Blacktown Spartans), Gabe COLE (West Canberra Wanderers), Adam DE FRANCESCHI (West Canberra Wanderers), Nikos KALFAS (Canberra Croatia), Amilio KISTA (Canberra Croatia), Zac MCLAREN (Wollongong United), Michael POCHI (Overseas), Jai SELDEN (West Canberra Wanderers), Kyle SENIOR (Wollongong), Jordan THURTELL (Belconnen United)
Out: Evan ALEXANDROW-RIDLEY (Sabbatical), Tim BOBOLAS (Sabbatical), Stephen DOMENICI (Canberra Croatia), James DRISCOLL (West Canberra Wanderers), Jeremy HABTEMARIAM (Gungahlin United), Samuel HABTEMARIAM (Gungahlin United), Beau HARVEY (West Canberra Wanderers), Tom MCLACHLAN (Gungahlin United), Lasse OLRIK (Tigers FC), Alessandro PENA (Southern District Raiders), Sam ROESTBAKKEN (Northcote City)
PRE-SEASON RESULTS
22/1/22 v Wollongong Wolves (h) L 2-4 (Carle (2))
30/1/22 v APIA Leichhardt (a) D 0-0
5/2/22 v Port Kembla (h) L 1-2 (Mitchell)
18/2/22 v Wollongong Wolves (h) L 1-3 (Mitchell)
20/2/22 v Tuggeranong United (h) W 4-0 (De Franceschi (2), Kalfas, Carle (p))
5/3/22 v Tigers FC (CS) W 7-1 (Carle (3), Kalfas, De Franceschi, Selden, Basser-Silk)
O’CONNOR KNIGHTS
Head Coach: Miro TRNINIC
Promotion to the rarefied atmosphere of NPL1 had barely been confirmed when the O’Connor Knights moved into action to augment their existing group of players by bringing in fresh blood in several key positions during a lengthy and detailed recruitment phase. There’s a real blend of youth and experience across the Knights set-up with 2021 standouts Patrick O’Rourke and Niko Kresic up top, supplemented by the veterans Marcin Zygmunt and Liam Walsh further back. Keep an eye out for some emerging talent in the shape of solid central defender Noah Steinacker and the creative skillset of Connor Mynott-Smith. Former Tuggeranong trio Andrew Slavich, Eddie Coggan and Regan Walsh will be keen to exorcise the memories of their previous NPL campaign, and Coggan set about that task by scoring twice in the 4-1 Australia Cup win over Belnorth. Midfield star Michael Adams may be the Knights key player though, a creative goalscorer who could have a major impact.
In: Michael ADAMS (Queanbeyan City), Sebastian ARRANZ (Canberra Croatia U23), Gabriel AYUEL (White Eagles), Jacob AYUEL (White Eagles), Nikola BARISIC (Sabbatical), Eddie COGGAN (Tuggeranong United), Moses GARANG (Gungahlin United), Michael KITA (Queanbeyan City), Connor MYNOTT-SMITH (Canberra Croatia U23), Andrew SLAVICH (Tuggeranong United), Noah STEINACKER (Belconnen United U23), Regan WALSH (Tuggeranong United), Ryan ZANATTA (Canberra Croatia U23)
Out: Tom COSENTINI (Gungahlin Juventus), Robert HRSTIC (Gungahlin Juventus), Jayde JAMES-WARD (Belconnen United), David KEIR (TBC), David MCCARRON (Canberra Olympic), Dean MISIC (TBC), Dennis MISIC (TBC), Tom OLSON (Overseas), Eamon RITCHIE (Interstate), Boyan TASESKI (TBC), Mitch STEENBERGEN (White Eagles)
PRE-SEASON RESULTS
17/11/21 v Tigers FC (n) L 2-4 (O’Rourke, Kresic)
4/12/21 v Gungahlin United (n) D 3-3 (Adams, Zygmunt, Mynott-Smith)
5/2/22 v Tigers FC (h) L 1-2 (Adams)
12/2/22 v Gungahlin United (h) D 2-2 (McCarron, L. Walsh)
20/2/22 v Queanbeyan City (h) W 3-1 (Mynott-Smith (p), Kresic, Coggan)
27/2/22 v Brindabella Blues (n) L 2-3 (Adams, Mynott-Smith)
5/3/22 v Belconnen United (a) L 3-4 (Mynott-Smith (2), Coggan)
12/3/22 v Orana Spurs (a) W 4-1 (Mynott-Smith (2), G. Ayuel, Shore)
TIGERS FC
Head Coach: Ryan GROGAN
Interesting times lie ahead for the League Champions who’s never-ending 2021 campaign was finally laid to rest by APIA Leichhardt in the Australia Cup Round of 32. Since then, there have been some underwhelming performances by the Tigers’, a 1-7 shellacking in the Charity Shield by the Panthers and a 0-4 drubbing in the Australia Cup Qualifiers by Canberra Olympic ending their grip on the trophy. There has been minimal movement in and out of the club at the time of writing, midfielders Tom Krklec and defensive colossus Lasse Olrik the only additions to the champions squad, and only a fool would write them off as anything but challengers for 2022. There’s enough talent in the squad to prevail, and the emergence of Daniel Sparrow in the holding role will, when he is fully fit, be a welcome boon. Anything but a title challenge would be considered a failure by the club, but they will need to rediscover that title-winning mojo to succeed.
In: Tom KRKLEC (Gungahlin United), Lasse OLRIK (Monaro Panthers)
Out: Lachlan GRIFFITHS (Rockdale Illinden FC), Christian JUNNA (Brindabella Blues), Jay KELLY (Moreland Zebras), Niko UJDUR (Sydney Olympic)
PRE-SEASON RESULTS
6/11/2021 v Brindabella Blues (n) W 4-0 (Gulevski, Strika, Borgna, Popovich)
13/11/21 v Brindabella Blues (n) W 8-1 (Gulevski (4), Timotheou (2), Whithear, Popovich)
17/11/21 v O’Connor Knights (n) W 4-2 (Popovich (2), Gulevski, Borgna)
5/2/22 v O’Connor Knights (a) W 2-1 (Timotheou, Gulevski (p))
9/2/22 v ANU FC (n) W 5-1 (Whithear (3), Junna, Popovich)
12/2/22 v Queanbeyan City (a) D 0-0
20/2/22 v Gungahlin United (n) W 2-1 (Strika, Popovich)
26/2/22 v Bankstown United (h) L 1-3 (Popovich)
5/3/22 v Monaro Panthers (CS) L 1-7 (Gulevski)
WEST CANBERRA WANDERERS
Head Coach: George ECONOMOPOULOS and Dom ENGLISH
A youthful look again for West Canberra Wanderers under their new coaching duo of George Economopoulos and Dom English exemplified by the retention of a vast crop of youngsters who gave a superb account of themselves in 2021. The Wanderers lost several of their key plyers during the off-season but have recruited some intriguing prospects in their place with U23 goal-machine Beau Harvey making the move across from the Monaro Panthers alongside James Driscoll. Tuggeranong pair Jakeb Wiseman, an excellent addition between the posts, and forward Jenno Ceruti add depth to the ranks with George Pavese coming from interstate. A remarkable Australia Cup Qualifying win over Canberra Croatia has hinted at the promise in the Wanderers ranks, culminating a terrific pre-season campaign which will no doubt raise expectations amongst the supporters of the Red and Black Army. Meeting those expectations may be their biggest challenge in the forthcoming campaign.
In: Jenno CERUTI (Tuggeranong United), James DRISCOLL (Monaro Panthers), Beau HARVEY (Monaro Panthers), Kristian NEL (Brindabella Blues), George PAVESE (Griffith), Jakeb WISEMAN (Tuggeranong United)
Out: Seamus CARR (Canberra Olympic), Aaron CASHMAN (White Eagles), Gabe COLE (Monaro Panthers), Martin DENG (White Eagles), Adam DE FRANCESCHI (Monaro Panthers), Mason INTERLANDI (Overseas), Michael MENSAH (Queanbeyan City), Chris MCEWAN (Weston-Molonglo FC), Juan OSPINA (Belconnen United), Jai SELDEN (Monaro Panthers)
PRE-SEASON RESULTS
12/2/22 v Coniston FC (a) L 1-2 (Anderson) – abandoned 60 mins due to an injury
20/2/22 v ANU FC (n) W 2-1 (Pavese, Ceruti)
26/2/22 v APIA Leichhardt (a) – Cancelled
3/3/22 v Gungahlin United (h) W 3-1 (Thornton, Pavese, Obst)
12/3/22 v White Eagles (n) W 7-1 (Harvey (3), Ceruti, Anderson, T. Barbatano, Paesler)
