Underestimating Keilor Park will be a surefire way for opposition sides to end up red-faced this state league 1 soccer season.
A look at last year’s ladder shows the Parkers were a middle-of-the-road side that finished eighth.
What the ladder doesn’t indicate is that the Park was on top after nine rounds and showing all the signs of being a title contender.
The loss of key players to a range of injuries and overseas travel ended the club’s championship run.
Keilor Park president Paul Portelli says the club has worked on gaining greater depth to cover any unavailability this season.
“We’ve got two or three who can fill any void,” he said.
“We’ve strengthened our backline, have more strength in the midfield and have a new goalkeeper. We’ve really ticked a lot of boxes.”
Keilor Park has looked to NPL ranks to satisfy its recruiting needs, adding several good young players who represented Green Gully last season.
They will be joined by experienced campaigner Paul Galea, who has crossed from the Altona East Phoenix.
Galea has previously represented Keilor Park and will line up in the club’s midfield.
Anthony Sacco remains as coach.
“The club is very happy with the coaching staff,” Portelli said. “They are promoting the youth through the club and they understand how the club operates. We decided to keep things as they are.
“Whatever they need they have got because we really want to give it a tilt this year.”
Keilor Park will take on Sunbury United in a home match to open the season.
The new season is also looming as a big one for the Keilor Park women’s team.
Last year, the Parkers recovered from a slow start to win six of their last seven matches and finished the season fourth on the state league 1 table.
Early indications point towards more success this year with the side having won last month’s Brimbank Cup competition.
“We are expecting a lot from the women this year,” Portelli said.
“They’ve recruited well, too, with a couple of really good young players in there.
A couple of ex-players have come back, along with the new ones.
“The women have a bit more depth and versatility this year.
“As the season progresses I see that side having some really good results. The pre-season form has been really good and they’re ticking along well.”
