Image: Mark Avellino
Coach: Aaron Healey
2016 finish: 11th in NPL, FFA Cup 7 (defeated by Green Gully)
Summary: Dom Barba’s men embarked on their maiden season in the NPL’s top flight in 2016. A solid defence, along with a good record at home at David Barro Stadium, helped the side to survival, finishing 11th. They were the only promoted side from 2015 to survive the drop.
Ins: Bradley Clarke (Melbourne City), Luke Gallo (Melbourne City), Dylan Bresolin (Clifton Hill), Oliver White (Harvard University – USA), Francesco Gallo, Jordan Templin (Malvern City), Shane Vitakangas (Gold Coast City FC), Wyatt Chant (Melbourne Victory), Chris Ross
Outs: Christian Cavallo (Melbourne City), Andreas Govas, Josh Barresi (Green Gully), Gai Ayuey Gai (Moreland Zebras), Alon Blumgart (Dandenong Thunder), Tom Banfield, Matteo Ballan (Pascoe Vale), Felix Rosman (Moreland City), Nathan Liberto (Adelaide United), Sami Nour (Green Gully), Takanori Nishimoto (Port Melbourne Sharks), Griffin McMaster (Northcote City), Nathan Tidmarsh (Kingston City), Ersin Kaya (Hume City),
Re-signed: Eli Luttmer, Will Abbott, Bardhi Hysoli, Davide Cardamone, Samuel Borghesi, Andrew Mullett
***
Player Q&A: Andrew Mullett
How’s pre-season going? Where have you been with the team?
Pre-season has been great. It has been very enjoyable this year with a lot of our fitness work being done with the ball. We haven’t been away anywhere, but we have been working hard at the Veneto Club.
What have the club’s pre-season results been?
So far in the pre-season we have beaten Melbourne Victory youth team 2-0, Kingston 1-0, Manningham 1-0, Richmond 2-0, Whittlesea 2-1; drawn with St Albans 0-0; and lost to Hume City 4-2.
How are the new signings settling in?
The new signings have settled right into the team and the team morale is strong. Everyone is looking forward to round 1.
Who are the Bulleen players to watch in 2017 (new or existing) and why?
I think Luke Gallo, who recently signed from Melbourne City youth, is one to watch as he looks very sharp and skilful on the ball. Jordan Templin would be another who is looking very promising.
Who are the some of the bigger characters off the pitch and why?
I think David Cardamone is definitely one of the bigger characters off the field. He is always walking around the dressing room showing off his body which he rates highly. Sam Borghesi is another player who also loves chipping in with his two cents’ worth.
How’s Aaron Healey been preparing the squad?
Aaron has come in this year and all the boys are really enjoying his coaching methods. Training has been really enjoyable which I think has been the key to getting the best out of the squad.
Which team/player are you most looking forward to facing this year?
It would definitely have to be our first game of the season against my old team South Melbourne. I always enjoy playing the big clubs and the best players in the league. Looking forward to my battle with Milos Lujic, hopefully I can keep him away from the goals.
Which opposition club(s) have impressed you most in pre-season?
I think all the NPL clubs we have played have made some really good signings and will be a real challenge throughout the year. Avondale and Bentleigh have made some really strong signings.
What are the expectations/objectives in 2017?
Definitely to finish in the top half of the table and play in the finals would be the number one team objective. If we start strong, I believe we have the potential to get there and then you never know what can happen once you qualify.
What’s one headline we may see about Bulleen Lions this season?
‘Bulleen youth knock off title contenders’
Hopefully with our young squad, we can cause a few upsets throughout the year.