By Lance Jenkinson
Melbourne Knights coach Micky Colina is looking for across-the-board improvement for his side to make the jump from a mid-table team to a finals contender in the National Premier League.
As the under 20s coach and senior assistant last season, Colina had the benefit of stepping into the head coach position with prior knowledge of the players already at the club, the youngsters coming through and the areas of need.
In an honest assessment, Colina felt the Knights entered this pre-season with improvement needed in all areas of the field.
“We need to concede a lot less goals and score more goals – it’s very simple,” he said.
“We’ve looked at our squad and some of the areas that we feel we need more depth and quality.
“We needed to create a lot more competition in the squad.
“I think we’ve recruited very responsibly with the right people, from a character point of view, and also people that add value on the park, which is naturally important.”
Melbourne Knights have exhausted all avenues to improve this season.
Internally, the Knights are hoping for natural growth from the established players and want to fast-track some of the promising homegrown youngsters.
Luke Jurcic and Ayden Brice are two that are tipped to go up another level this season, while a fit Nikola Jurkovic will be a bonus on the backline after he only managed 13 games last season.
Anthony Duzel is one of the younger brigade who could take the step up.
No matter what the make up of the Knights starting XI for their season opener against Oakleigh Cannons on February 15, the message from Colina is that every player will have to earn their spot.
“Whoever gets the nod on any given game, it’s up to you to keep yourself in there for the next game, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
“Actions speak louder than words.”
Since the new year, Melbourne Knights have announced a number of key additions.
With veteran Ben Surey retiring from the NPL, the Knights needed a strong defender to replace him.
Corey Sewell, who transferred from Bulleen Lions, is earmarked for a key role in the Knights defence.
“He’s a solid defender who brings us quite a few attributes across the back third,” Colina said.
“A footballer that can play, reads the game well and is physically strong.
“He’s got enough presence to dominate that part of the ground.
“I think he’ll give us a lot more balance in the defensive set-up.”
Corey Sewell makes the cross town switch to the Knights ahead of the 2019 NPL season.#itsyourclub #mkfct.co/BseaizS1Si
— Melbourne Knights FC (@MelbKnights) January 14, 2019
Tom Podaridis, from Oakleigh Cannons, will provide energy on the left side, while Ivan Grgic, returning to the club, will add experience to the defence.
There will be some exciting additions to the front third too, with Gian Albano and Yutaro Shin joining.
Albano, from Bayswater City in the WA NPL, is described as an explosive attacker who can play as a winger or more centrally.
“He’s quick, strong and knows how to finish,” Colina said.
Shin, a native of Japan, has crossed from Savan United in the Laos Premier League. He is not new to Australia, having played with Sydney United and Blacktown City in the past.
“He’s going to bring us quality in the front third,” Colina said.
Melbourne Knights will face Hume City in a pre-season friendly away tomorrow night.
