First-year St Albans coach Fabian Carelli is confident his new players can lift the club back into finals action.
Carelli took over the top job at the Saints in October last year and since then has been quietly putting together a strong pre-season campaign.
After coaching successfully in the Northern and Eastern Football Leagues, Carelli said he was hoping to continue the trend at the Saints.
“Like any coach, I want success,” he said.
“I don’t think we were too far away from finals last year but there’s still a gap. We have some catch-up to play.
“Where we lost half a dozen games by nine points or under last year, we need to get a few going our way. That’s the luck you need in footy.
“I think we have a strong enough list for finals. We need to stay healthy as well.”
The Saints have every reason to be confident after some smart recruiting in the off-season.
One of the biggest recruits to join the club is former Northern Blues VFL player Ty Armitage.
The classy midfielder has not only impressed with his skill but also with his leadership qualities and professionalism.
Joining him in the midfield is Mitch Gaunt, from Riddell League club Rupertswood and the pair are set to form a lethal combination with gun St Albans midfielder Tim Jenkins.
“Our focus was probably to strengthen that midfield,” Carelli said.
“Without knowing the club all that well before I got the job, once I was there they sort of told me that it was a bit of a focus for them.”
The Saints will play three practice matches in the lead-up to round one, taking on Northern Football League clubs Hurstbridge and Montmorency and Ballarat League club Sunbury Lions.
The club is expected to finalise its leadership group within a couple of weeks.
Carelli is confident the tough pre-season will provide the perfect lead-in to round one.
“The players have all worked really hard, which is good to see for an incoming coach,” he said.
“A few of the boys who have been there for a while said it’s one of the better pre-seasons for a few years.
“Hopefully that translates to good form when the season starts.”
Liam Twomey
