Photo: Smile for Peter
In many respects, Whittlesea Ranges were last year’s surprise packets of the NPL2, but with their 2017 season set to launch this afternoon, they’ll no longer be flying under the radar.
Were it not for a late season collapse – which saw the then ladder-leaders drop 17 points in their last seven fixtures – Whittlesea may have been putting the final touches on their pre-season preparations with a first ever NPL top-flight fixture awaiting them.
Despite the massive loss of 32-goal Atilla Ofli, captain Naum Sekulovski believes his side head into season 2017 a much more balanced, mature group, with the relegated Melbourne Victory their first chance to test themselves.
“I think Atilla was a one-man show up there, whereas now we have two or three boys that can potentially fill that void. The combination of those players will get the job done,” Sekulovski said.
“There’s a nice mix of experience and a few young boys [in the squad this season]. Joey [Joe Kovacevic] has come on board and he has plenty to offer alongside Vinko so we’re just really keen and eager to get the season started.”
Speaking on the bitter disappointment of falling at the death in 2016, Sekulovski is hoping his side goes into this campaign in better shape to earn promotion, having addressed their short-comings so far this pre-season.
The 34-year-old is wary that while his own team may have strengthened, so has the competition, with clubs now looking both ways with relegation to the State Leagues now in play.
With a more even playing field expected in the West Conference, Sekulovski has urged his side to win the small battles throughout the season and focus on each separate contest.
“It was just that last month where we fell apart last season,” he said.
“Potentially lacking a bit of experience, which we’ve looked to strengthen up in the off-season. Hopefully if we find ourselves in a similar position this season, we can close it off and look at going north.
“I think it’s going to be difficult. A lot of the teams have strengthened, but we’re going to put our hand up. It’s just a matter of who turns up on the day. Our focus in on the 90 minutes over the weekend to make sure we turn up for the games.
“I think a lot of other teams are going to be in the same position so it could be a case of which team turns up on the day as opposed to one team gliding away with it.”
A veteran of the Victorian game – as well as over 100 caps in the nation’s premier competition with Perth Glory – Sekulovski is hoping that his experience will his side keep a cool head as the season matures.
Despite being deep into the back end of his career, he admits the passion to play is still there but is now largely driven by the desire to help the next generation come through the ranks as well as the camaraderie of the team.
“For me, a big part of it is the social aspect. Being able to go to training and have a kick with the boys, then get to the weekend game and take things a bit more seriously.
“I’ve also been able to pass on whatever knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years, grabbing a few of the youngsters and giving them some insight into how to improve themselves in regular life, in football life and as people.
“I get a fair bit of enjoyment out of doing that so as long as the legs keep ticking over and the mind is willing, we’ll keep going.”