Following an early finals exit last season, Heidelberg will be looking to regain their status of one of the league's best in 2023.
Heidelberg scraped into sixth spot last year with 14 wins, however, would lose to eventual champions Oakleigh Cannons in the elimination final.
Head Coach George Katsakis said the squad had been hard at work since November to ensure they can go deeper into finals this season.
“We are looking on improving on and looking at the people we brought in; although we may have lost some quality players, I think we are going to be right up for the occasion,” he said.
“We have had the luxury of having most of the squad in all at one time whereas usually at this time of year, they come in drips and drabs.
“It has been a better start than most years, to be honest, the boys are focused on starting the year well.”
The Bergers started last season winless from their first three games, which put them behind the eight ball; however, they were still able to sneak into the final six.
“Last year we had wholesale changes and got off to a terrible start, but you have to view it as a successful season. We made the final, semi-final of the Dockerty Cup and made the round of 16 in the Australia Cup,” Kataskis said.
“It was a very successful season in my books considering the start we had, however this year we should do much better.”
In one of biggest signings in the NPL, ‘King’ Kenny Athiu returns home to Heidelberg, and Katsakis was eagerly awaiting partnering him up once again up front with 2022 Gold Medal winner Kaine Sheppard.
“I am excited about those two, to be honest,” he said.
“They partnered up before they both left the club and now, they find themselves together six or seven years down the track.
“I think it will be quite potent with them up forward and Jamie Wilson from Scotland (Falkirk Football Club).”
The 30-year-old striker netted over 40 goals in more than 70 games with Heidelberg between 2014 and 2017. Athiu is also best remembered for his stunning finish in Heidelberg's 1-0 win in the Australia Cup 2017 Round of 32 against Perth Glory.
The Club has also signed Christopher Theodoridis from the Preston Lions and St Albans shot-stopper Hayden Browne, who has international experience at Norwegian club FK Gjovik.
Katsakis said he hasn’t been afforded the luxury of having such a deep roster during his time as coach.
“You’ve got the likes of Joshua Pin, Sabit Ngor, and Bilal Habib going forward I think it is going to be quite strong,” he explained.
“Defensively we’ve still got Ajdin Fetahagic and Deion Nikolaidis and we’ve brought in Shigeto Masuda, and we’ve brought in Danny Dixon (Hume City) for cover as well.
“It is going to give me an opportunity to mix and match.”
Masuda boasts a strong pedigree having played his entire career across the top three divisions in Japan, amassing over 150 appearances and scoring 14 goals.
The 30-year-old centre-back, who began his professional journey with Albirex Niigata in the Japanese top flight, most recently plied his trade at Blaublitz Akita in the J2 League.
Following a promising pre-season, Katsakis warned Sabit Ngor was ready to take the next step.
“He is someone who I think the league is going to look out for,” he said.
“He is a very wanted commodity at the moment, he was at Western United and then he moved on to Newcastle Jets. There has been a lot of talk around about him.
“With players like Garang Kuol who sparked attention on the national stage, I think he can follow in those footsteps.
“The opportunities are going to be there for him it’s up to him whether he takes them or not.”
OPENING FIXTURES
Round 1: Heidelberg United v Dandenong Thunder
Round 2: Hume City v Heidelberg United
Round 3: St Albans Saints v Heidelberg United