Photo: Australian Sporting Photos
Brunswick City have begun to consolidate their playing and coaching staff into 2017 with the re-signings of five key players as George Karkaletsis looks to build on a promising 2016.
Andrew Le Page, Ali Turgut, Jay Principato, Hayden Kanjo and Adam Wright were announced as having committed to another season at Dunstan Reserve.
Having been signed mid-season from State League four, former Avondale FC forward Le Page burst out of the blocks to net six goals in 12 games.
The 24-year-old had an impressive July in particular, where he was fan-voted as TCF’s NPL2 player of the month, characterised by some eye-catching long-distance goals.
Having helped Avondale to promotion two years ago, should Brunswick’s rise continue next year, Le Page could be key to another promotion push.
Principato, another former Avondale FC player, was also signed on as the club looked to revamp its playing roster in 2016. He netted twice in 18 appearances to aid his side’s cause throughout the campaign.
Meanwhile, Turgut was signed from Altona City after the 2015 season.
The former Southern Stars man netted once in his 24 appearances as he enjoyed a consistent season in Brunswick colours.
Hayden Kanjo followed Karkaletsis over from SL1 side Clifton Hill. Turning 21 in 2016, he enjoyed 19 appearances and is the youngest of the current re-signings.
Wright, another Clifton Hill signing after the Welshman was a sensation in SL1, carried over his goalscoring ability into the NPL2.
Netting 16 times in 26 games, the forward finished the season as the club’s top scorer.
All players, mainly signed from below an NPL2 level, shone in a campaign in which Brunswick under Karkaletsis significantly rose to its best result in a season in the NPL 2 system.
The near cellar-dwellers of the first two seasons finished fifth and notched up some high-profile results, with Karkaletsis and assistant Savvas Patikkis now turning their attention to further improvements in 2017 after also re-committing for next term.
“Throughout 2016, George had many successes with the senior team; playing an exciting brand of football and helping the club make a huge statement in its third year within the NPL,” the club said.
“In this time George also built a strong coaching team which will remain in place, including his assistant coach Savvas Patikkis.”
Meanwhile, Brunswick U20s coach Riccardo Marchioli was earlier announced as the club’s new technical director following the departure of Matthew McNamara.