Image: Mark Avellino
Moreland City opened their account with a 1-1 draw against Werribee City on the weekend in the first round of NPL2 action. Adrian Mathers’ long-standing association with the club continues for another year as he takes on head-coaching responsibilities for another campaign.
***
Hey Adrian, just to begin with, how have the early stages of the campaign been, and what are the objectives for Moreland City in 2017?
Our game against Werribee City we weren’t happy with our first half, we improved the second half, got the goal but couldn’t find a second before conceding to a set piece, then the last 10 minutes could have gone either way so a draw ultimately seems a fair result.
Realistically, we finished seventh last year, the aim for us is to consolidate our position in the league with relegation coming into effect. We’d like to finish above seventh and if there’s a target, it’d be to finish in the top half but also to become a bit more of sustainable side and consolidate our position in the league.
The 2016 season was a contrast to 2015, your first campaign in the NPL where you were even close to promotion.
In 2015 we finished third, just missed out on the play-off with zebras above us on goal difference. We didn’t necessarily start the season so well but we did find our groove and became a hard team to beat. I think the main difference was in 2015 we had a continuity of players but in 2016 we had challenges of injuries and availability and couldn’t seem put the same 11 out on the park or even in the squad each week. We seemed to struggle with that and maybe we didn’t fly under the radar as much as 2015.
How’s the squad coming along? Much of the 2016 squad has been retained, so there seems to be good continuity there, plus you’ve made some additions for 2017.
We’ve probably kept a core of 10 guys. Like anything, same with other clubs, we’re looking for continual improvement. But from a squad perspective we’re pleased with the players we’ve retained and added some quality with new signings. I suppose a lot of them are unproven with us at this early stage but we’re happy to have them on board.
On paper, NPL2 West seems much more open than the East – similar to last year – and it’s hard to pick certain promotion candidates. What’s your take?
It’s difficult. Like a lot of people you try pay attention to pre-season results but you can’t ever take much from that. It does feel like, last year too, that the league is progressing in quality and teams are getting better coached. It seems like teams are looking to improve and with the players they’ve signed should be even better this year.
Let’s go back a bit. What’s your playing/coaching history and association with Moreland City?
I’m originally from Shepparton, I played my football for a local team there – Tatura Soccer Club – which my brother is now coaching in the seniors. That’s the side where Wellington Phoenix’s Vince Lia played juniors. His father is my godfather so there’s that connection.
I came to Melbourne around 1999 and played a year at Croydon City and ended up at Moreland City and have been there ever since. I probably played 10-12 years seniors at Moreland City, was assistant to Maurice Bisetto in 2012 – so did a bit of an apprenticeship under him – and took on the gig in 2014 when we were state one and won the league then, and now NPL in 2015 and beyond.
So you’ve got quite an affinity with the club, having been there for so many years?
Initially, coming from outside of Melbourne and not really having a network, playing there it’s always been a very good club culturally – every team says that I suppose – but I’ve always had an affinity with our club culture and values and that’s fed into my loyalty and I regard people here as close to my family.
It was probably part of that at the beginning and I’m grateful for the opportunity the club has given me to transition out of playing into coaching and the role I have now and the responsibility that comes with it. So I feel because I have that opportunity, I owe the club in some respect as well.
In the end clubs are all about people, and I feel we have good people at our club.