THE WAIT IS OVER

Season 2013 is finally here after some what of a crazy preseason with the qualifications, top 16 and quarter finals all being played as well as the normal summer cups.

After having a few weeks off to allow for the V League to kick off we are finally ready to roll with some interesting fixtures in round 1. There have been many changes over the summer in all clubs with different coaching panels and player personnel. This year also has 8 new coaches out of the possible 9 that are new. The only coach that has kept or wanted his position is Lino Sculli from Launceston City.

Riverside V Burnie United

Riverside host Burnie United at Windsor Park kicking off at the regular time of 2:30 Saturday. This game should and will be closely contested after both clubs had lost copious amount of player over the off season either due to player moving on or having a crack at state league.

Riverside new coach Wayne penfold had this to say”  It will finally be nice to get stuck into the season proper this week.

We have a tough task in Burnie first up who will be raring to go. All teams want to get off to a winning start, so we expect a physical game from Burnie and will need to make sure we are up for the challenge.

Apart from a couple of big losses to Victory League teams, we have had a solid pre-season and have gelled together well as a squad after losing up to 10 players from last year.

The players that have moved up into the Seniors have really impressed and shown they want the opportunity to play at the highest level available to them.

I have high expectations for Riverside this year, and will be looking to get a win to kick off our campaign.

On the other hand Burnie will be looking for its first win in a long time after finishing on the bottom of the ladder last year. Key player Andrew Gibson and Peter VanEk are going around again and were showing some early form in the preseason.

Talk is they have lost gun player Stuart Batt to football which if true may leave a big hole in the midfield for Riverside to exploit.

Burnie’s spokes person Peter VanEk had this to say” Burnie will be playing a full squad, with Brad Ryan in goals. And be focusing on our style of play as we re-focus heading into the new season. While Burnie has lost a few players from last year there are still a lot of familiar faces at the club, some of the younger guys are really stepping up to the mark. Its going to be a long season, but we are ready to take it to the opposition and give it our all.

Devonport V Launceston City

This will be a very interesting game with both clubs being in the V League. I can fairly say that both NPL sides will be at full strength due to being the curtain raiser for the  v League clash. After seeing Devonport play in the summer cup it is hard to see them loosing as they are a young fit well drilled team that like to keep position.

Also we will see the fringe players out of the 20 man squad play in both sides as well. This is ideal for both clubs but I would hate to be picking teams in a few weeks when a NPL sides plays at one end of the state and the other at the other end.

Devonport coach Rod Andrews has a few comments to say” “We’re really looking forward to the game this weekend. Numbers at training have been fantastic and Mal has assembled a strong squad with a good blend of experience and youth. Naturally, like the other V.League Clubs we have some restrictions as to the age of our NPL Team, so our 1^st game against Launceston City, who have the same restrictions, will be important in terms of getting a feel for where we are depthwise”.

Ulverstone V Prospect

Thisuld be the game of the round with both clubs having some great key players in both squads.

After Ulverstone winning the summer cup and going through un-defeated they will be on a high and having a home ground advantage should just get home. But will still be with out Snow Compaign who would still be recovering from his broken cheek bone and busted eye socket, May even have called retirement? Im not sure. Plus I think Adam Conkie still may have a week to serve of his suspension.

Prospect Knights are the un-known at the moment after having not the best start with a sub par preseason. But still have some old heads kicking on. Will be up to the task, With the signing of Greg Duffy will strengthen their side.

New Prospect coach Ray Heald had these words to say” Were are looking forward to the first game

Our retention of senior players hasn’t been good only three remaining from last year.

We have been lucky enough to fill the gaps with some fantastic kids from our under 18 team of 2009 and under 18 players from last year.

Our focus is on youth and improve as the year progresses

Rangers V Launceston United

This game is played On Sunday at 12:30 at the NTCA ground 2 which the Rangers have worked hard on over the off season producing a perfect playing surface on the ground behind the NTCA where they originally started.

This is another chance for NPL side with a V League team to be at full strength with the NPL side being a curtain raiser to the Rangers V South Hobart V league match. This will allow the Rangers to play 7 Victory league players in their starting 11.

As for Launceston United im not sure how they are shaping but I guess time will tell.

Rangers in a easy win for me.

Somerset have the BYE