Football Season Guide

Did marvellously well to even make the Grand Final last season, considering they finished fifth in the table. Really dug deep in tough games, especially against Auckland FC, and frankly over-achieved despite their fans believing they should be winning the competition more often than not. They've some superb business in the transfer market pre-season. Teague is a loss in CM but Arzani can be replaced; Ferencvaros are already in the midst of finding out how frustratingly capable yet inconsistent he is. Machach is a good match-winner but didn't have his best campaign lat season. Fornaroli's retirement had been coming, and Langerak was injured too often to be missed now he's retired too. They've brought in some great options in most positions though. Veteran playmaker Mata is there to replace Machach, Jelacic/Grimaldi should be a good fit to replace Arzani (although the latter still has a bit to learn). They've beefed up their central midfield substantially in Genreau, D'Arrigo, and former academy graduate Saglam. They've also added to their defence, bringing former academy graduate Lino home, and veteran LB Davidson is back at the club too. Therefore, even the situation like their season opener where they may be without Rawlins due to suspension should not be a concern. The only real concern they have is in net. Jack Duncan is experienced but erratic. Young GK Warshawsky should really be the mainstay in due course but it's unclear if they'll hand him that opportunity to begin with. Other than that though, this is a strong squad that is capable of competing for major honours.