After making it through to the Semi-Finals last season, FV Emerging is ready to make history once again; however, this time they have their eyes on going all the way.
FV Emerging was outstanding in 2022, winning 10 matches from 21 rounds to sneak into the finals before bowing out to eventual champions Calder United.
Talent Development Program Manager Annick Fokchak believes the team will once again be a force to be reckoned with in the NPLW.
“This year we will have quite a younger team than the competition,” she explained.
“We aim to bridge the gap from youth development to senior football and for our players to transition into senior football.
“We are really looking to be competitive, and we think we will be, we did alright last year and made the finals so hopefully we can do it again.”
The squad has been hard at work since November to establish their brand of football.
“We will keep working towards achieving the goals we have set for the season and go from there.
“We want to be known as a very technical side and hopefully they will be able to show that throughout the season.”
Fokchak said there were several players who have caught her eye over the pre-season who were ready to take the next step in their development.
“We have many returning players which is great to accompany exciting younger players who join the squad,” she declared.
“Anika Dovaston has been with us for about six seasons now since she was in SAP. We are hoping she has a breakout season and fulfills the potential that we know she has.
“Both of our goalkeepers are quite young they are 2006-born keepers. Charlotte Hrehoresin was on a temporary contract with Melbourne City as an injury replacement. She has come from the community level two seasons ago so for her to take such a big jump has been awesome.
“Sophie Dehne has also been developing quite nicely, she spent time in Germany last year and has been at Melbourne Victory as a training player. I think she will take some steps forward this year and get potentially be looked at by the national teams.”
Melissa Lum takes the reigns as head coach of the squad, while Turgut Fanoscu will be the senior assistant coach.
“Mel has been with us for four years now, she was coaching the U19s squad for four years now and now she is the head coach for FV Emerging,” Fokchak said.
“It is great because we were able to promote from within, she has developed immensely over the past four years. It’s a big role to take but think she is relishing it.
“Turgut has been a coach within our boy’s program at FV, and has moved across as an assistant coach in the girls' program for 2023.
“It has been really good getting him in, having a different voice around has been good for the girls too, he will be a good addition to the team.”
OPENING FIXTURES
Round 1: BYE
Round 2: FV Emerging v South Melbourne
Round 3: FC Bullen Lions v FV Emerging