With only an extra-time goal separating Port Melbourne from a grand final berth last season, the Sharks are primed for another assault on the top of the table
Port Melbourne had a stellar home and away campaign, finishing second with 17 wins, however, their season would end at the hands of eventual premiers Oakleigh Cannons in the preliminary final.
Reigning NPLM Coach of the Year, Adam Piddick plans on ensuring his team can go “one better” this season.
“We want to play the best football that we can that’s our expectation, we know that if we do that we will be thereabouts,” he explained.
“Looking in our expectation would be to go out and win it.
“It is still very early in the season but if you’re going to win the league or put yourself high on the table a fast start in terms of points is crucial.
“It is not ultimate importance, but it gives you a good start to where you want to be.”
The Sharks have had pre-season matches against the Casey Comets, Preston Lions, Western United, and Avondale, however for Piddick it wasn’t results driven.
“Like most pre-seasons, it has been up and down, it has not been about getting the wins, it is all about getting the minutes into the players' legs,” he said.
In terms of that it serves a process, the boys are looking good.”
Despite their terrific defensive record (#1), the Sharks were sixth for goals and Piddick aimed to address this over the pre-season
Despite the Sharks' impressive defensive record (NPLM #1), they were ranked sixth for goals and only had three players score more than three goals (Chris Duggan 15, Jackson Courtney Perkins 9, and Luca Tevere 6).
“That would probably be the biggest knock on us last season, we didn’t score enough goals,” Piddick said.
“I think we created the most chances in the league throughout the whole home and away season but we didn’t score enough.
“The preliminary final was the perfect example we were 1-0 up and had a couple of chances to put them (Oakleigh Cannons) away but it came back to bite us in the bum.
“We need to take the chances when they come and hopefully we have brought in the right players to do that.”
In the hope of scoring more heavily this year, Port Melbourne has bolstered their attacking stocks through Mohamed Adam, who arrives from Japanese outfit FC Imabari. The former Western Sydney Wanderers forward will add pace, creativity, and flare to their final third.
Their defence has also been strengthened with the inclusion of commanding defender Jalil Regague. He played a key role as captain in Western United’s promotion to NPL2 last season.
Brazilian defender Caio De Godoy will provide further defensive cover after crossing from Green Gully, the physically imposing left-footer spent some time in the Newcastle Jets youth setup before making his way to the NPLMVIC last year.
Piddick was also excited about the inclusion of Lachlan Sepping, who is a midfielder who has played in Cyprus, and Kamal Ibrahim.
“Ibrahim, who returns to the club will add a bit of experience to the team, and obviously with Lachlan and Mohamed being new faces to the league, they will bring some excitement and some good technical ability.
“They suit the way we want to play so hopefully they fit in.”
Over the pre-season, Piddick revealed Jackson Courtney Perkins and Luca Tevere have stood out over the pre-season and look set to build on their eye-catching efforts last year.
“I think people would be well aware of them from last year, they were good when they were on the pitch,” he said.
“They are still only 21-22 (years of age) and will keep pushing forward and improving as they go.”
Port Melbourne starts the season against Avondale in front of their home crowd in a big clash between two potential finalists.
“We can’t wait for the season to start, Avondale will be out to right the wrongs from last season so it should be a great match,” Piddick said.
“They had probably a poor season in terms of what their expectations were they are still a very good team and I think they will be ready to go.”
OPENING FIXTURES
Round 1:Port Melbourne v Avondale
Round 2: North Geelong v Port Melbourne
Round 3: Port Melbourne v Moreland City