By Tara Murray
Melbourne Knights have looked to add some exciting youth to its squad as it aims for a return to National Premier League finals.
The Knights had an up and down season last year, before narrowly missing out on finals under Ivan Franjic, who took over as coach in the second part of the season.
Franjic, who has hung up the playing boots, will now just focus on coaching the side.
“We’ve looking forward to it,” he said. “It has been a tough pre-season for the boys.
“They’ve worked hard and can’t wait for the season to begin.”
Franjic saId they were excited about the squad they’d put together. He said they were hoping they had the right mix.
“We have a fair few new players,” he said. “A lot of younger players.
“It will be exciting and very fast. There’s a lot of energy in the squad. I think that is very important as we have a lot of experienced players.
“Hopefully we have the right mix of youth and experience.’
Franjic said he was excited to see all the new players and didn’t want to single any of them out.
Centre-back Stefan Brecevic, Leo Mazis, Fraser Dunlop, wing backs Deion Nikolaidis and Alex Hird, and Kaine Sheppard are among the signings.
Franjic said he was enjoying watching from the sidelines and not having to do all the running through the pre-season.
He says it will be a different feeling just being a coach.
“Being with the boys the last two years so I’ve built that connection on and off the field.
“It’s a lot easier with some of the older ones like Chris Oldfield, Steve Whyte, Anthony Duzel, Joey [Franjic] which will help with that.”
After finishing seventh last season, Franjic said the group was determined to return to the top six this season.
“The boys are really keen and are wanting to bring home that silverware to Knights Stadium,” he said.
“We prepare as we are going to go win every game. Every game we will go in hunting for points.”
It’s been a big off season for the Knights, with upgrades to some of their facilities complete. It includes the new gym being finished.
The Knights kick off their season on Thursday night against Heidelberg United in the first match of the whole NPL season.
Heidelberg made finals last season before being knocked out in a penalty shoot out.
Franjic said they were hoping to make home a fortress beginning with their round one match.
In other round one matches, Green Gully is on the road against Dandenong Thunder and St Albans Saints face Dandenong City.
In the Victorian Premier League 1 competition, North Sunshine Eagles face Northcote City and Caroline Springs George Cross takes on Langwarrin.
