Image: Smile for Peter
Coach: Peter Tsolakis/Con Tangalakis
2016 finish: 4th in NPL (Grand final defeat to South Melbourne), FFA Cup Round 5 (defeated by Melbourne Knights)
Summary: After the difficult 2015 campaign in the league, Peter Tsolakis and Con Tangalakis joined forces and turned the Cannons into a force once more. Having lost in the FFA Cup early, the squad turned its attention to the league where, arguably without a burden of expectation, went on a whirlwind run that ended in 4th place in the league and a grand final appearance.
Ins: Iqi Jawadi (South Melbourne), Nate Foster (Waitakere United – New Zealand), Guiseppe Marafioti (Melbourne City), Medhi Sawari (Melbourne City), Tom Matthews (Geelong SC), Shayan Alinejad (Melbourne Knights)
Outs: Jacob Collard, Steven Topalovic (Dandenong City), Sean Lovemore, Dom D’Angelo
Re-signed: Abdallah Okud, Adrian Chiappetta, Anthony Rizk, Aron Wilford, Dean Piemonte, Dimi Hatzimouratis, Dusan Bosnjak, Evan Kraloglou, Evangelos Panayiotou, Goran Zoric, Ioannis Georgopoulos, John Honos,
Kostantinos Stratomitros, Perry Lambropoulos, Steve Pantelidis
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Player Q&A: Dean Piemonte
How’s pre-season going? Where have you been with the team?
Pre-season has been good, I feel as though we are ahead of where we were this time last season. We went to the Gold Coast which was good for team bonding, especially for the new players.
What have the club’s pre-season results been?
We have played quite a few games with mixed results. We have been focusing more on our fitness and working on things rather than the scoreline.
How are the new signings settling in?
They have actually fit in really well on and off the field. Not only have the club signed good players, they’re good people too which is important.
Who are the Oakleigh Cannons players to watch in 2017 (new or existing) and why?
Dusan Bosnjak was on fire last season and going by this pre-season he will be again. Nate Foster was also dangerous when he was with us in 2014, so he will be one to watch along with Dimi Hatzimouratis and John Honos who were both in good form last season.
Who are the some of the bigger characters off the pitch and why?
We have a few but one that stands out is Iqi Jawadi.
How have Peter Tsolakis and Con Tangalakis been preparing the squad?
Gussa and Tanga have been getting us as fit as possible. We have played a lot of games, done a lot of ball work and worked on our strengths and weaknesses from last season.
Which opposition club(s) have impressed you most in pre-season?
I haven’t really taken notice of the other teams. I’ll tell you at the end of the season.
What are the expectations/objectives in 2017?
In my opinion to go one better than last season and bring home the trophy. I’d say to also qualify for the FFA cup
What’s one headline we may see about Oakleigh Cannons this season?
‘Zoric on fire’