Premier League Preview 3
Victoria Park Carlisle, Osborne Park and Innaloo In edition three of our Premier League Preview we look at the teams which finished 6th to 8th respectively in last year’s Men’s competition in Victoria Park Carlisle, Osborne Park and Innaloo. Can these sides rise to compete with the top teams or will they struggle to hold their place in the competition?
Victoria Park/Carlisle
Disaster has struck the Reds this winter with a number of key players having left the club. After winning the 2013/14 premiership Vic Park found the going to be tougher as defending champions. After fluctuating between mid table and relegation for the second half of the season they did enough to hold on. Their struggles will continue this season after losing over half their players from last year’s side. Five of the players have state level experience including the pictured Anthony Provost and Shane Knott, and all played in back end positions at some point during the season. They leave significant holes that have remained unfilled and the Reds depth will be sorely tested this season. In order for Vic Park to survive they must beat the sides around them. Kardinya, Innaloo and newly promoted sides Wanneroo and Cockburn shape as their best chances. If they can beat a couple of those teams away and steal a win or two against more fancied opponents at home they may have a chance.
Ins: Nil
Outs: Thomas Mitchell (Manning), Shane Knott (Manning), Graeme Wishart (Mosman Park), Rhett Butler (Morley), David Farley (Kardinya), Charlie Simms (Belmont City), Anthony Provost (Morley), Charlie McNeil (Manning), Brian Davis (Morley), Chris Bowler (Warwick)
Pass Mark: Loss of key personnel has made things very difficult. To stay up would be a massive effort but ultimately something the team needs to achieve.
Prediction: Tenth.
Osborne Park
The Saints have been a perennial powerhouse in recent times but were only able to finish seventh last year. The club has been quiet in the off season player movements and will remain largely unchanged from last season. The only major setback they have suffered is the loss of Graham Evans who has been at the club throughout this highly successful era. Stability may prove to be the key for Osborne Park this year. Not suffering the losses other clubs have felt will see them close the gap on those above them and if the line up can settle early then the Saints will challenge any side. The side boasts tremendous experience coupled with talented youth that could propel the Saints up the ladder. Many of the players have played together for a long time and know how to win. They are every chance to be there when the whips are cracking.
Ins: Patrick Quinlan (Belmont City)
Outs: Graham Evans (Osborne Park)
Pass Mark: An experienced side that is better than last year’s performance suggests. A finals appearance is within their capabilities and has to be the goal.
Prediction: Fifth.
Innaloo
An impressive season saw Innaloo exceed the expectations of many and avoid relegation in their first premier league season. They’ll be looking to improve on their eight place last season but the loss of key personnel will make the task even more difficult than it was already. Losing two skippers is a blow to any side and to compound their losses John Berecz may be unavailable most of the season due to injury. Whilst circumstances have been less than ideal the Redbacks have faired better than some of the other premier league clubs. Their home carpet also provides an advantage as it plays different to anything else in the premier league. Like so many clubs the key for Innaloo will be to beat the sides around them. If they can take advantage of their home games and steal some wins at the lower ranked clubs Innaloo will hold. Every point will be important in the Redbacks quest to rise up the ladder.
Ins: Nil
Outs: Howard Best (Mosman Park), Mike McKeague (Work), John Berecz (Injury), Neville Costello (Wanneroo)
Pass Mark: They have faired better than some and have proven their resilience in the top flight. They have to hold on.
Prediction: Seventh
NOTE: Information believed to be correct at the time of publication
Later this week we will look at the competition newcomers Wanneroo and Cockburn whilst starting next week we will start taking a look at the Women’s Premier League
Previous Premier League Previews
Preview 1 Manning and Doubleview
Preview 2 Cambridge, Kardinya and Bassendean
