Premier League Preview 4
Men’s Wanneroo and Cockburn The last of the Men’s Premier League Previews as we look at the newcomer’s, or perhaps more accurately the return to the top competition, in Wanneroo and Cockburn.
Wanneroo
After being relegated in 2014 Wanneroo bounced back strongly putting together an impressive season in One White to finish more than twenty points clear in first place. Their form continued in the finals and they took the pennant defeating Cockburn in the final. Now comes the true test for the Roos, to see if they are good enough to once again hold their own in Premier League. The race to avoid relegation promises to be close and it is crucial that Wanneroo don’t concede to any of their fellow candidates early. If they can start the season strong and build a buffer the Roos could prove to be a tough side to chase down. Any points that Wanneroo can pinch from the higher credentialed teams will be golden and if they can cause an upset or two at home it will go a long way towards retaining their spot in Premier League. Wanneroo should be able to be competitive in every game which will give them opportunities to win games. How many of those opportunities they take will determine whether they have successful year.
Ins: Mark Douthie (Guilderton), Allan Barron (Morley), Stephen Fewster (Gingin), Shane Loftus (Jurien), Stein Davis (Stirling), Neville Costello (Innaloo), Richard D’Souza (Mt Lawley)
Outs: Ron Bates (North Beach), Damien Moore (North Beach)
Pass Mark: The goal for any promoted side is to hold and this team is capable. Must stay up.
Prediction: Sixth.
Cockburn
Once the premier club in the state Cockburn took a hiatus from the premier league and returned for the 2013/14 season but were relegated. After a season in white they’re back again to see if they can cut it at the top level. Their start to the last campaign was disastrous and a repeat of that would make things very difficult. Conversely if they can get some early wins the confidence will grow and Cockburn will be once again a daunting prospect for opposition clubs. The side is one of the more experienced sides going around with players such as Steve Srhoy having spent many years in the top flight. Queries are directed at those coming through underneath however, as to whether they can provide the support the clubs ageing stars need to match it with the best. Every point Cockburn can muster will be crucial in winning the race to avoid relegation but the group seems capable of holding. They could go either way.
Ins: David Malkin (Kardinya)
Outs: Boris Yakas (Kardinya)
Pass Mark: Need to stop the yo-yo and opportunities for new clubs to hold are seldom better than this season. Need to hold.
Prediction: Eighth.
So in summary here is how we think the 2015/16 Men’s Premier League Ladder will look at the end of the season.
1st Manning
2nd Bassendean
3rd Doubleview
4th Cambridge
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5th Osborne Park
6th Wanneroo
7th Innaloo
8th Cockburn
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9th Kardinya
10th Victoria Park Carlisle
NOTE: Information believed to be correct at the time of publication
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
Preview 3 Osborne Park, Victoria Park Carlisle and Innaloo
