WOMENS NEWS

Pece Siljanovski: Hi Andy, It’s been a while since we spoke.

Andy Fry: Yes Pece indeed.

PS: You’ve been training since November, how is it all shaping up with the WPL girls?

AF: Well fantastic Pece, We've worked hard and have an amazing list and through all the elements such as ground availability and storms and fires etc we have come through it and with a couple of weeks to go are fine tuning some things to be ready on the 14th of April.

PS: The Gala Opening Round?

AF: Yep, an interesting first round of games at Darebin where every team plays over two nights, was terrific last year. The FFV do an amazing job (not sarcasm)!

PS: Ready?

AF: More than ready, we are frustrated at the moment and just want to play. The Players are jumping out of their skin just to have a crack at someone! The Committee and all the people that assist us like parents of players do a great job and are so vital to what we do.

PS: The list, you mentioned as “amazing” tell us?

AF: ummm I’d rather play that down and say "no it’s ordinary" and "we may struggle this year"….

PS: Talk to me Andy!

AF: We are incredibly fortunate at Preston Lions to have such an amazing "core" group of dedicated players such as Diana Piculovski, Kate Christoff, Casey Naumovski, Striker Sarah Lovett as well as Ashleigh Kelly and Sarah Sumner who have all served the club well, played a big part in last year’s finals campaign and are all ready to go at it even harder this season. Ex-Preston forward Elly Curo is back at BT Connor via the NTC program after being pursued by several other big clubs. Our young players also that we have developed through the reserves such as Natalie Popovski, Thomay Nicolaou, Goalkeeper Alice Ryan and Nikki Garner as well as others will be expected to play important roles this season if we are to succeed. Thanks to the work of our new assistant coach Sergio, the Reserve squad looks as strong as I’ve ever seen it with some fine talent.

PS: New signings?

AF: It’s in the vault!

PS: Talk to me Andy!

AF: Well we set out and focused on replacing crucial key players from last season that have moved on, notably our Goalkeeper Nabby Saliba, star Midfielder Paula Massouh and defender Roni Guilbert. All I will say is we are convinced that the players we have signed have the commitment, dedication and all the qualities of those mentioned and that is required at our club.

PS: Name names?

AF: Pece you’re asking a lot of me now….ex-NTC Midfielder Amy Scarlett, who I’ve admired for some time has come aboard, the talented Kerri Little who is over foot surgery and will recover and fire in time to play an important role, Jaime Floros who has signed from South and has shone in practice games and through the Summer competition in goal, VIS & State Midfielder Katia Tavolaro who is looking to have a career best season in 09 and Gippslander Kirstie Shearing shows great promise and will also be striving for success at Preston this year.

PS: Tell me more?

AF: Pece you are killing me! Someone that brings a wealth of talent, determination and experience is Beejay Alpozgen from Keilor Park, Beej has integrated into the squad in a short time and with so much to offer will play a huge role in Preston's 2009 campaign. Some players to watch are Jacqui Ghirxi, Ang Talevska and Jess Cvetkovska all handy signings waiting to burst onto the senior list.

PS: Too much info Andy!

AF: Yeah I know! Can you edit some out? The other clubs have seen my list now. There are a few more I choose NOT to mention! .
PS: Are you suggesting the other clubs check our website?

AF: Best in the comp! I would say they are ALL on it…

PS: Thanks Andy for your time, can we do this again soon?

AF: Anytime Pece, by the way how are the Preston boys travelling?

PS: Thanks Andy!