Tongues were wagging at Keilor Park Soccer Club over the form of two of its returnees in the Brimbank Cup.
Goal poacher Lorenzo Carbone and central defender James Johnson had a major impact in the Parkers’ run to cup glory.
Carbone, a striker who returned from a stint with the Fawkner Blues, gave the Parkers a cutting edge throughout the tournament.
“He scored some great goals – just starred,” Parkers president Paul Portelli said.
Johnson returned after a year out of the game and showed he had not lost touch.
“He was commanding at the back,” Portelli said. “He’s back better than ever.”
It will be a big season for Keilor Park, who will be in a revamped state league 1 as a result of the start of the National Premier League.
The Parkers will face much sterner opposition than in recent years, but the Anthony Sacco-coached side is not shying away from the challenge.
“It’s going to be a really tough year but we’re looking forward to it,” Portelli said.
“We have teams like Altona Magic and Western Suburbs, regulars in division 1, and they’ll be packed with stars.
“Our pre-season form has been pretty good. We won the Brimbank Cup, we beat Ballarat, who are in the NPL, and we drew with Westvale.”
