From reigning champions to a former A-League coach and a rumoured A-League trial, this pre-season marks a considerably different mindset for classy defender Adrian Chiappetta who had previously been a fixture at Northcote City for six years. Now, the 27-year-old looks set to test himself in a different environment, with Oakleigh Cannons the new club he calls home, guided by the always charismatic Miron Bleiberg. Chippa talks to Damir Kulas about the change of scenery as well as that rumoured move to Newcastle Jets.
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Adrian, thanks for taking time out to have a chat with us! First thing’s first, how are you finding the new surrounding at Oakleigh?
It’s been great, the boys are great and the club and coaching staff have made it really easy for me to make the transition over as I’ve felt a part of the team from the first session.
Was it tough leaving Northcote City considering your status as captain, club hero and an integral part of Goran Lozanovski’s over-achieving side?
I think club hero is a big tag that I don’t deserve, but in terms of being captain and leaving the club that was basically my second family was hard. I made life long friends and had a lot of great times at the club including the Championship, so when it was time to move on it was a very bitter-sweet moment for me.
Looking back, you were at Northcote for six seasons where you saw the club get promoted into the top flight, win the state cup before winning the Championship. What was the highlight of your spell there?
The time that I was there, we did some special things when you think about the financial status of the club. But for me the highlight was of course winning the Grand Final. It wasn’t only winning the silverware, but also the opportunity to win it by the side of some really good mates including the coaching staff, and giving something back to the club that it hasn’t had before. That’ll be something I will cherish.
What is it like working under such an experienced manager as Miron Bleiberg?
It’s something I’m not used to to be honest – I have been used to the semi-professional way. With Miron, he has a very professional approach to everything including communication, training and match preparation. He’s very success driven but knows how to have a laugh at the same time so he’s been good to work with.
Oakleigh have recruited well for this campaign with the likes of Steve Pantelidis, Kris Kioussis, Brian Vanega, Ben Clarke and Jake McClean signing on board as well. How do you rate your title chances for this season?
I think that we are in with a big chance; the coaching staff have done a top job with recruitment and the likes of the boys mentioned are an asset to any team. And with the finals series back on again, the depth of the team is very important.
Who do you believe are your biggest title threats this season around?
If anyone, South Melbourne will be our biggest threat, but the likes of Bentleigh, Hume and Heidelberg are all a threat on any given day, and as I said before, with the finals series back on, anyone is in with a chance.
You have trialled with the Melbourne Victory in the past and recently were linked with a move to the Newcastle Jets. Do you still harbour ambitions to play in the A-League, especially since you have seen the likes of your former teammates Michael Marrone, Rashid Mahazi and the Trifiro brothers step up to the challenge?
Yeah, I mean the boys that I have played with have stepped up and worked extremely hard for it. As long as I’m playing and at my best and pushing myself, coupled with an opportunity coming along, I will take it.
Finally, one of your former teammates at Northcote Wade Dekker is winning many plaudits with his performances for the Melbourne City youth team this season. Having seen him first hand, do you predict a big future for the young attacker?
Definitely, Wadey in my opinion has everything he needs to take the next step up. He is honest, hard working, and determined. He always gave me a headache when we’d come up against each other at training. I think needs to be given a chance in a professional environment to be truly tested and I think if he gets that opportunity he will show his worth.
Oakleigh open their season away against South Melbourne on Thursday night. Kick-off at Lakeside is scheduled for 8:15pm