Coach: Stuart Munro
Pre-Season: DLD (Malaysian Side Johor DT 2-2, Avondale Heights 2-1, Bentleigh Greens 1-1)
Video > Dandenong Thunder vs. JDT
2014 finish: 9th Dandenong Thunder’s inaugural NPL season was one of mixed fortunes, with the Thunder impressing early in the campaign – going undefeated until Round Five – but inconsistent form and injuries took their toll towards the middle of the season and Dean Hennessey’s side ended 2014 fighting to stay out of the relegation zone.
Dandenong enjoyed a strong run in the Dockerty Cup last year, narrowly missing out on a Quarter Final berth after their Round of 16 loss to South Melbourne in the closing stages of extra-time.
The Thunder, however did uncover a number of talented youngsters such as Kieran Dover – who made his senior debut with Melbourne Victory in 2014 – and Matt Millar. The club also enjoyed the services of players such as Kris Kioussis, Brendan Elmazovski and Alan Kearney.
New signings: Dandenong went into season 2014 with an almost new side after a number of players left the Thunder and season 2015 looks to be a continuation of the rebuilding phase at the club. There has been a reshuffle in the squad and the Thunder have made a number of changes in the off-season, most notably bringing back Stuart Munro as head coach after the departure of Dean Hennessey who has taken up a role as Hume City’s new technical director.
A number of key outs will not aid Dandenong’s chances for success this season with the talented Dover, Millar and Kioussis among the list of players headed out the exit door. After relying heavily on the trio last season for flashes of inspiration in matches, the Thunder will sorely miss Kioussis’ – now at Oakleigh Cannons – runs off left-back along with the pace and class of young guns Kieran Dover and Matt Millar who will be playing with Melbourne Victory Youth and Melbourne City Youth respectively. The loss of Alan Kearney to Port Melbourne will hurt the Thunder, particularly in terms of leadership and assistance to younger players in the squad.
The recruitment strategy the new coach has gone with is once again youth, with Bentleigh Greens youngster Lewis Foster, Box Hill United midfielder Michael Gerace, and Richmond SC fringe man Alex Tabor all signing with the club. Kingston City shot-stopper Sermin Sadikovski also joins the ranks to boost the goalkeeper stocks. The biggest signing however could just be bringing back former skipper Veton Korcari from Oakleigh Cannons, and the club would love to see goals from the attacking outlet.
Players to watch: With departures of key players such as Kearney, look for player such as Ilir Pali to enjoy more playing time in the squad and possibly have a breakout year. The youngster showed flashes of brilliance running down the left wing last season and could take his game to the next level. Dillon Jakupi was one of the many youngsters to make his senior debut from the U20’s side and displayed glimpses of attacking prowess late in the season. Expect the forward to hit his stride in 2015 with increased minutes. Afghan international Faisal Sakhi Zada will shoulder a lot of the defensive load in an inexperienced squad. Also has a great eye for goal (see his free-kick at 70′ in the video above).
What to expect in 2015: The Thunder can expect mixed fortunes in 2015, with a number of key departures, the team will need time to gel and get used to playing together. Dandenong had the youngest average squad age last season and we can expect much of the same inconsistencies that comes with youth. The team’s reliance on their youngsters could uncover a star in the making but don’t expect fireworks from the get go in season 2015. It may be another year of scrapping it out in the bottom half, but expect big things from the young crop if they can fire up in front of goals. Potential to surprise.