In Search of Striker Boy

Forwards, also known as strikers, are the players on a team in association football who play nearest to the opposing team's goal, and are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals. It’s as simple as that. 

The striker is one of modern football's most demanding positions; it requires intelligence and speed, both of execution and of thought, to perform the role well. 

Coaches typically field one striker who plays in an advanced position (the centre forward), and another attacking forward who plays somewhat deeper and assists in making goals as well as scoring (the second striker).

In relation to strike options at Athena - with Phil Arnold having confirmed that he will be joining Cypriot Australian backed Bentleigh Greens in the Victorian Premier League in 2012 it would appear that we are certainly in need of a recognised and experienced striker to join the first team ranks. Arnold is heading east along with a band of three WA boys also transferring to the club, both being ex-Glory youth players Andrija Jukic and Tonci Skoric.

This clearly leaves a crucial element in a football team that is missing as of today.

We lack a quality experienced second striker to complement the talent, skills and ultimate potential of teenager Liam Boland.

In fact this blogger was appealing for a second recognised striker during the entire last campaign and in his mind could have lessened the load of expectation and pressure on Boland in his first full season of first team football. Essentially the midfield toil and goal scoring feats of Paul van Dongen could well have been the difference between a competitive and respectable mid-table - just out of the finals overall performance and a dogged cellar dweller battle for survival.

It was previously reported at the immediate end of the season that Athena was in hot pursuit of Balcatta’s 2011 Gold medal winner English import gun striker Steve Burton. Sources at both clubs have since then categorically ruled out the possibility of the move happening. Links with similar high profile and proven WAPL strikers or beyond have at least in the public domain seemed to have waned. However senior coach Chris Barbas and the Board could well be holding their cards close to their chests as is their prerogative of course.

And since John Thornley, a quality powerful attacking player who scored 10 goals in 2011 and who had expressed in playing for Athena left ECU Joondalup and signed for Balcatta in the off season, the availability of proven WAPL strikers as of December 2011 at least appear to have somewhat dissipated. There is no doubt in this bloggers mind that John Thornley would have been an ideal addition to Athena’s squad for 2012.

                         John Thornley Jr a Balcatta player in 2012

The rest of this blog entry explores potential WAPL targets in experienced strike partners for Liam Boland. 'Experienced' is broadly defined as having a history of being able to score goals in the WAPL. The most successful and universally accepted football formation is the classic 4-4-2 model. The lone striker format is often reserved almost exclusively for outfits that are brimming with 2 or 3 creative, attacking and yet defensive players - the classic 'box to box' midfielders. Too often sides that over rely on the single striker formation become one dimensional and this feature can be the reason for their demise.

                         Liam Boland Athena striker vs Perth

In ex-Athena player Branimir Mikulic you have a well credentialed striker in the twilight of his career and whether he could still command a starting 11 place in an ambitious side is debatable. However after a less than satisfactory stint at the Western Knights for all concerned parties it seems that he has parted ways with the club. Hence, a leadership role could also prove to be an invaluable asset if negotiated in a mutually acceptable format within what currently appears as a very young squad. 

                                       Branimir Mikulic former Athena Fairest and Best and Golden Boot

Johnny Mirco – also an ex-Athena player set last season alight with consistent performances with two clubs Cockburn and Western Knights throughout 2011. An effort that was noted by referees all season that culminated in Mirco being tied in the gold medal count on points. He reads the game well and always has an eye for goal, and his pace causes problems to all defences. The former Cockburn City and Floreat Athena player has also been a member of the WA state team for a number of years.

                             Johnny Mirco 'tied' Gold medalist 2011

David Foster has been in good form over the past two years at Sorrento. It was felt that Foster left Athena in pursuit of more regular first football since under coach Michael Roki his first team starts were few and far between. Whilst he had a lean 2011 he is a popular and accomplished forward who could well be lured back lakeside.

Callum Roberts came of age in the premier league last season with a string of impressive goal scoring achievements under the direction of Carl Medica at the Knights. Still very young Roberts has great potential ahead of himself to be one of the States most dangerous strikers. 

At the other end of the age scale his partner with whom he formed a ‘dynamic duo’ relationship with is Stuart Montgomery. The veteran Wester Knights striker continues to score at the top level in WA football, he holds the ball up well to bring other players into the game. With such a long association with the Knights it may seem highly unlikely that he could be prised away from the southern based club towards the end of his career – but one could argue that he is still worthy of a conversation to explore possibilities especially as he was still amazingly able to score 12 goals last season.  

                                    Stuart "Peter Pan" Mongomery

Current  Mandurah City striker Rafael Insaurralde also an ex-Athena player posseses the typical array of silky south American trademark skills that opponents find hard to mark and contain. He is also noted for his work rate and uncanny ability to score special goals. He could possibly be lured back to Britannia Road.

Inglewood United’s young striker Ndumba Makeche has made an immediate impact at the 6PR Stadium after joining from Stirling Lions this season. He  scored 11 league goals in his first season at the club and has pace to burn. His partnership up front with Rory Grant who netted 14 goals in 2011 has helped Inglewood rise from near relegation last season to third this year, and will be one to watch to next season. Either Makeche or Grant would be more than handy acquisitions for Athena.

                              Ndumba Makeche - Inglewood United Striker

Phil O’Callaghan is currently at Stirling Lions and is a recognised quality striker netting 13 goals in 2011. A proven scorer now at several WAPL clubs and who would be ideal leading partner for Liam Boland. 

However if the club wishes to concentrate on youth and raw talent it could do worse than land Rory Feely from relegated Cockburn City who scored 7 goals last campaign. 

         Phil O'Callaghan tightly marked by ex-Athena player coach - Ante Kovacevic

News in from the training track indicates that young attacking left sided player Joshua Tumoe from Bayswater is at the club - though his signing is yet to be confirmed. Some examples of his raw talents can be seen in the clip below.

                                    Joshua Tumoe - Athena Bound?

Looking internally in the reserves ranks from last year Alex Novatsis could well be ready for first team action along with other young hopefuls from the successful under 18’s outfit and possibly new as of today unknown youngsters. 

An ex-Athena life long junior who failed to make the under 18's cut in 2011 Geordie Papathanassiou, did what any rejected young boy who loves the game should do. He went down the road to rivals Stirling Lions and banged in bag full of goals to collect the club's golden boot for the under 18's. One would think that this kid is worth another look at  - especially with the under current wave of new found nationalistic overtones swirling around the club. If only of course given the unmistakeable heritage of the boy's surname.

There is no doubt that amongst the coaching team of Chris Barbas (first team), Ramon Falzon (reserves) and Alan Pottier (18’s) plans are being plotted for attack minded and skilled players who can make the step up to WAPL first team football. The question that remains is will the club maintain its pursuit of visa players such as Burton or opt for the development challenges of raising youth to the top ranks – only time will tell.

However the warning signs of complacency and ill preparedness are there and plain for all to see. That is, recently is clubs that have over relied on youth over a functional and effective blend with experience have sailed too close to the drop for comfort. Examples of which are no clearer than Stirling three seasons ago when they had a mere 5 points before the end of the then July transfer window and were forced and/or willing to dig deep into club and supporters pockets to urgently recruit players such Phil O’Callaghan mid-season. This was a desperate, expensive and ultimately successful bid to avoid relegation. In fact most remarkably they still managed to compete in finals football.

More recently, both Mandurah City and Cockburn City were relegated last year after a dismal season and arguably an over reliance on youth and inexperience. And Waneroo City and Fremantle City a few years before them also experienced  the pain of relegation from top flight WA football.

Patience is almost never a virtue of the Athena faithful or its board’s as there is an omnipresent expectation of success or at the very least a requirement for the first team to win more than it loses. A cursory glance at the record books of league standings over the club’s history is testament to this. 

Many pundits felt that going on the loyalty shown by the survivors and warriors in the aftermath of the Etna catastrophe the squad at the end of the 2011 season had the hallmarks of everything that a progressive and ambitious club in transition yearned for - that ideal mix of youth and experience. This was clearly expressed in Kovacevic's fairest and best night speech - 'look no further for evidence of loyalty and talent than the men in front of you all here'.
 
In light of this it was thought that what was probably required was some significant and strategic tweaking in certain areas and not necessarily the radical surgery that has occurred. Since the massive overhaul occurred twelve months earlier.

Suddenly over the past two months of the off season we have seen the dismantling of the legacy of the youth and development initiative instigated by the past Board and selected and delivered by coaches Barbas, Goodman, Nicoliades under the direction Kovacevic. And what we are now seeing is essentially the same model being applied. However the experience has vanished. While efforts are being made to express and communicate some apparent newness of the current model. However the question that begs an answer is: what specifically was wrong with the 'old model'?

This appears to be a classic example of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale - The Emperors New Clothes about two weavers who promise an Emperor a new suit of clothes that is invisible to those unfit for their positions, stupid, or incompetent. When the Emperor parades before his subjects in his new clothes, a child cries out, "But he isn't wearing anything at all!" The title that is often used to describe a situation in which people are afraid to criticise something because everyone else seems to think it is good or important.

This is a new and inexperienced coaching team in top flight terms at least. They will be treated just like every other coaching team before it - with tough love and they will be ultimately judged by their results. 

History, loyalty, sentiment and the apparent well laid plans of coaching staff counted for little at Floreat Athena FC in 2011 in the eyes of the Board of Management and some vocal and yet ill founded and irrational sections of the fan base.

Athenista for one, hopes that 2012 is different because Floreat Athena FC exists to fight and to succeed at all costs and never to merely just survive.

Floreat Athena Rumour Mill - 2012

The term 'rumour mill' is usually used to refer to the process by which rumours and gossip are originated and circulated among a group of people. It relates to a form of communication were information, often a mixture of truth and untruth, are passed around verbally or in a written form.

As the club's playing ranks and coaches yearn for a period of stability like the preceding 6-7 years - the talk around the football town is that the new coaching team and Board seems to be very busy shoring up their targets and possible signings for 2012. For the first time for a considerable period the 'silly season' of rumoured new signings being associated with Athena have been turning a few heads at least - amongst the WA football family circles.

We are led to believe that the players have been summoned to the club tonight (Thursday November 3) for what is expected to be an important get together to receive information regarding pre season schedule, possibly introduce new players and coaches for the 23's and 18's outfits and to gain an understanding of the coach's and Boards plans and ambitions for season 2012.We all await with bated breath in anticipation of pending news.

Athenista must confess that his head along with many other supporters that his head spinning and mind is boggled over the array of rumored signings that are being linked with Floreat Athena.

Arguably three of the highest profile links are: talented Stirling players in UK import (1) Bobby Wilson, a proven professional who has been at the den for the past two years and the mercurial midfielder and (2) ex-Glory Youth player Ludovic Boi.

These two players are well established impact players at Stirling that have consistently performed admirably for the Lions. Wilson could well fill the defensive vacancy left by Ante Kovacevic' departure. The midfield positions made available by the movements of Miki Vujacic, Damien Catalano, James Isaia and also possibly Kyle Moran - would enable Boi to fulfill a commanding role in the middle of the park. 

Regarding Boi, this blogger has many well etched memories in his mind of his ability to hurt sides who give him a sniff of an opportunity none more vivid than the last time we played Stirling away and also in last years cup final loss.

Ludovic Boi - Ex Glory Youth, now possibly Athena Boy?

Both players would be expected to add considerable value to the squad and the fans know only too well their combined potential that has had the uncanny habit of being displayed often in an exemplary manner all so often against Athena!

UK import Bobby Wilson  - shielding Perth's Craig Simpson - will he dazzle in defence at Athena?

The third rumoured hot target that is generating massive interest and curiosity is that of the State League 2011 Gold medal winner, Balcatta's Steve Burton - who was recently awarded the fairest best accolade outright over Johnny Mirco with whom he tied and after a count back and collected a brand new Ford Fiesta from McInerney Ford. Burton, in his acceptance speech said:

 

"I just can't express how I feel, I mean the whole night I was so blasé about it because I really didn't think I would win it because I turned up four games late," said Burton.

"I tried my best, but I never expected it and going into the last round, Johnny Mirco was there and he scored two goals as well as myself, so it was a massive shock with the result.

"In terms of the A-League, I gave my all to Perth Glory when I trialled for them, but that's life I guess.

"I've got a few options in Melbourne next year, but it would take a lot for me to leave Balcatta - I love that club."

If these three much coveted signings do in fact occur it will send a message of Floreat Athena's serious ambitions looking into 2012 abd beyond. They would also no doubt ignite a great deal of excitement amongst the fans - if only for the fact that three such high profile established adult players have not been targeted so seriously in one period for many years at Athena.

In the case of the goal machine Burton - professional footballers have this innate ability to say and feel the right thing at the right time and the Athena faithful will expect that his "love for ones club" is instantly transferred to Athena and she and her faithful will instantly reciprocate with their unconditional love as only Floreat Athena fans can do.

Lets see what announcements are madeinf the next few days and weeks as we get a collective sense of where we are at.

 Steve Burton - will he be parking his new car at Britannia Road in 2012?

         Steven Burton - WAPL Goal Machine - Gold Medal Winner 2011

James Isaia - The Magnificent: Has Left the Athena House

James Isaia and team mates celebrating his goal from a free kick at home vs the Western Knights season 2011

Every now and again in the duration of ones life as a football tragic devoted to his beloved club a special player comes along who has that little special extra something that makes them stand out.  

In football - the ultimate of team of team pursuits of any kind - it is a big statement  when the word ‘special’ is used to describe a player. For whilst individuals can revel their match turning moments of brilliance that may see them win awards such as gold medals, MVP’s, players player ultimately it is teams and clubs that either rejoice collectively in glorious victory or ponder about what could have been when expectations and ambitions are not met.

Football clubs thrive on these special players that make the fans and the coaches on both sides of the park stand up and respect. In the context of the ‘departure lounge’ feeling regarding players that have left the club this off season it is most fitting that this blogger pays homage to someone who has exuded these special qualities both on and off the park for the past five years – James “Jimmy” Isaia or as he is known amongst the older brigade of Athena fans “Archies Grandson”. 

In all honesty Athenista like many of the faithful reports a feeling of sadness as one of our favourites moves on to our historic and at times bitter City of Vincent rivals – Perth SC. His departure leaves big shoes to fill and the recruitment challenge is now set for the senior coach and the club. While technically no one is irreplaceable in our game what is certain is that some are harder than others to replace and there is no doubt in this bloggers mind that James Isaia is one such player. 

In sport, a utility player is one who can play several positions competently, a sort of jack of all trades. In association football, like other sports, the utility man is usually a player who can play myriad positions. This will be commonly be defence and midfield , sometimes defence and attack. In some sports the concept and existence of the utility player is far more commonplace. The term has gained prominence in all sports due to its use in fantasy leagues, and in some sports, it is commonly used by commentators to recognise a player's versatility.

James Isaia is one of those players in the modern game for who the label ‘utility player’ as a descriptor fits so naturally like hand in glove. During his time at Athena he has played in every outfield position and scored goals from every one of them. Jokingly or maybe not so jokingly if the right specific moment arose a coach could well have been in a position to select him as an emergency keeper especially if all subs were used and the keeper was suddenly injured. These talents have been noticed in high places and over the past six months James has been a regular in the Perth Glory training squads as he has worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices in his pursuit of a full time professional contract doing the thing he loves most – playing football.

There is not doubt that James was a crowd favourite at Athena. He has that ability to lift the entire side just through his hard grind and perseverance. A talented defender who is both strong when required to put in that desperate tackle in defence of this sides goal and also on the ball moving forward looking for that killer pass or that shot on target. And when the ball is not live he is also more than competent with set piece dead balls. When he was thrust forward his presence was often more than handful and menacing in the box. 

James also has that unique characteristic of being able to connect with the fans and drive them to back the team when it was needed most. It was not uncommon to see James communicating through hand and arm gestures when he felt the crowd had gone a little flat and the team needed them to spark into action.

Off the park James is a likeable, polite and intelligent professional radiographer who most would be happy if their sister suddenly became romantically attached to him. Radiographers need to be observant and methodical, as well as accurate, self-motivated and disciplined. They should have concern for others, and be able to inspire confidence in others. They also need to be able to work well under pressure. All these traits are indicated in Isaia. A player that this blogger will miss dearly along with all Athena fans as we wish him luck on his departure from Britannia Road via the Athena  departure lounge hence it is fitting that we take a few moments to reflect on many fond memories of his time as an Athena player.

One such superbly special moment that will forever be stuck in my mind was in the 2007 Football West Premier League season, Athena clinched the title undefeated with a 15 point gap over second place. There were several notable events during that season but one particular was his 94th minute long range goal to draw the match against Fremantle Spirit. This was such a defining moment in hindsight that ultimately contributed to Athena being crowned undefeated league champions.

Athenista caught up the James shortly after his announcement to leave Athena to document some of his achievements and feelings about being an Athena player.

James Isaia - estimated WA state league and cup games, estimated Athena games and goals.

So far I estimate that I would’ve played a little over 100 games for Perth, Armadale and Athena.  Roughly 60 games for Athena from 2007-2011 and scored about 8 goals.

Tell us a little about your juniors days.

I started at Kingsway Olympic, then went to Kingsway Hammers (West Ham affiliated) for 1 year, then Balcatta for several years before playing at Perth Juniors and Trinity College. I was vice captain of U12s State team and called up to Seniors State team for the first time in my career this year only to miss out due to holiday.

Who were your influential coaches? 

Brian Adams at Hammers was my first influential coach. I also did several years in his academy. Then several years with Graham Normanton, who is without doubt the most successful coach in the state. I struggled to break into such a strong team at Perth but I learned a lot from Normo and his assistants over the years, coaches such as Kenny Lowe and Gareth Naven. I won two most memorable trophies and a few runners ups with Michael Roki at Floreat Athena and I hold him in very high regard. And finally of course Ante Kovacevic a man who has helped to try push me onto the next level and taught me a lot about the senior game.

Five  years at a cub for  young bloke is a big thing - reflecting back what were your Athena highlights? 

Without a doubt like so many of us who were part of that special undefeated team - 2007 is my biggest highlight. Going through a season undefeated and winning the league with so many games to spare is a very rare feat that will take some time to be broken again.

What brought you to Athena in the first place? 

After a tough year and a half at Armadale, I lost a lot of passion for the sport and was seriously considering switching codes to AFL. However, Peter Murphy had got a hold of Floreat, a club that I had held in high regard, and said that I was looking to move on and went down to have a look. The team had guys that I had played juniors with and gone to school with so I immediately felt comfortable.

Will you miss anything at Athena? 

There is plenty I will miss. The people around the club are great.

So many characters.

The Thursday night festivities and poker will be missed but probably a lot kinder on my back pocket!

I will also miss the playing group as I have a lot of friends in the team.

Returning back to the might and power of Perth SC our State undisputed all time champions after what I think is 6 years - first being sent out on loan to Army for a season and then 5 at Athena - is there a part of you saying "I told you so" and that you belonged there all the time? 

No not at all. I wouldn’t have learned all the things I have if I hadn't gone to Army or Athena. There is no "one way" to play the game, so the more you can learn, the more you can adapt.

What were the big ticket items that brokered the deal for you? 

Like you mentioned, Perth SC have been the benchmark in the WA State League for years now and to be given the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious and professional club is an honour.

How have you been finding the whole Perth Glory training squad experience? and how have you managed to fit it all in along with your professional life as a radiographer? 

The whole experience has been great. I was a little bit disappointed not to get a full time gig seeing as though I was training for so long and there were players coming and going, but I guess that's football. Having to manage work and training is exhausting but I love it. Thankfully my job is flexible and allows more to pick and choose shifts.

What is your favourite position on the park? 

I have been asked that a lot lately. I'd have to say centre midfield. That's where I played when I was younger. I like to get on the ball and play as much as possible. Having said that, playing a few games centre back in the Glory pre-season matches was great also.

Overall what are your football aspirations?

To get that fulltime professional contract would be amazing and fulfil a boyhood dream, so I will keep pushing for that. If that doesn't prosper, I will give it my all with Perth SC and try make it 4 in a row for them. Also, a state team cap would be very nice.

What does football mean to you? 

Football is something I do that makes me happy. I get to play with mates and when you win there's no better feeling. It's also something that I feel I need to do as it keeps me active and healthy.

Any views on the current and possible future developments at Athena?

The club is in a bit of a transition stage at the moment. The last few years I found quite different to when I first joined. There are a few new faces around now and I hope for the club's sake that it can get back to being Athena of old.

Cheers James we love you and your work – good luck in the next chapter of your football life and we hope that the dreams you are working hard toward become a reality and we’ll see you around brother.

Jimmy Eat World - The Middle - in reference to his favourite position 'on the park'

Floreat Athena v Western Knights in round 16 of the All Flags Football West State Premier League. Jame Isaia wonder strike free kick at 3.38 mins

 James - middle celebrating State league cup championship

James - commanding the middle of the park

James following his glory dream

That Was a Goal - an intimate conversation with James Isaia. Listen to interview here:

http://thatwasagoal.com/2011/09/twag-an-intimate-conversation-with-james-isaia/

Brothers in Arms: Athena Farewells Miki and Vas Vujacic

  Happy Times:  Brothers in Arms "Montenegrin Blue Bloods" Celebrating the Magnificent 2007 Undefeated League Championship

The past few weeks have seen a number of changes in coaching and player ranks at the club. Throughout the world of football this is commonplace when new coaches and Boards of club management are appointed. In the harsh reality of life at a football club and a wonder life in general essentially that the only thing that is constant is change. 

Whilst it is too early to speculate on the exact extent and ultimate impact of these transitional changes as these are clearly ongoing and yet to be finliased we can report however on some that have come to light recently.

Two eternally popular brothers Vas and Miki Vujacic the “Montenegrin Blue Bloods” have been notified that their services are no longer required by the club.

This has prompted the current blog entry "Brothers in Arms".

In what is hoped to be the first of two blog entries of the brothers V - Athenista firstly catches up with the younger two Milorad “Miki” Vujacic to review his time at the club.

It is estimated that Miki to date has played around 250 WAPL matches of which approximately 150 were in the blue and white stripes of Floreat Athena in all competitions. This makes him at the end of season 2011 one of the longer standing servants at the club and a member of the club's leadership group in an overall young squad. 

An instinctive creative midfielder is an apt description of Miki as a player. On the park Miki presents himself as a silky, pretty or even a sexy player who has the innate ability to wriggle his way through the midfield and slip past opponents to put himself in a position to beam in a rasping shot at goal.

Or at other times a clever player having the vision to deliver a field splitting final pass for the striker to line up the trigger in his feet towards the goal. For much of time at the club he had been the designated set piece exponent who skills were often on display for free kicks and also when sending in his trademark curling corners that would prove a handful for opposition defenders and goal keepers. An unselfish team player always ready to play whatever role he was asked to by his coaches.

Miki is a bona fide young football tragic. He lives and breathes our game and he has long expressed his love affair with Athena and he had the right to comment and reflect on his departure after five years at the club. Off the park he is known as an intelligent young man always looking for a positive spin on his take on the complexities of the beautiful game. Away from football he is a devoted, loyal and always generous family and friend centred individual.

On the breaking of the news he has privately expressed his feelings about the Club's decision to not reappoint him in the playing squad for 2012. He is clearly disappointed to not have had a chance to work with the new coach during this new phase at the club, after declaring his interest to remain at Britannia Road and initially feeling that he was in the coach's plans.

However, on the breaking of the news Miki has responded in a mature and almost philosophical manner when he said… “But I guess that’s football, and I have to accept it……. Probably more disappointed with the fact that the decision appears in my mind that it may have been more politically motivated rather than purely based on my footballing ability - whilst I am not certain of this, it is just the instinctive feeling that I have"

As an important member of the 2007 championship side under Michael Roki – not surprisingly Miki notes this as being amongst a major highlights of his overall career to date when he said, “......without a doubt the undefeated season of 2007……I don’t think many players will ever get to experience that in their careers - ...... Also the 2011 Night Series victory was very sweet considering we were against the odds”

During his time at Athena Miki has he earnt the reputation of being a tireless worker behind the scenes for club events - none more so than the once famous club cocktail parties that generated huge accolades from everyone who attended and beyons. In the cut and thrust of life as a WAPL player in contemporary times this ethic is a rare and greatly valued human commodity.

Always at the social centre of the Clubs heart the Miki also rated as a highlight - the camaraderie and enjoyment of fun times with players at all levels and supporters as being something that he will miss as he moves on … “Oh and of course the beginnings of the phenomenon that is Thursaturday, which I am proud to have been a ‘founding father’ of!”

Having played under two coaches at Athena -  Roki and Kovacevic  - Miki expressed views on the future plans the club is currently undertaking – “Contradicting views of the club’s direction from different people in power at the club has left me a bit confused. Let’s just hope the changes pay off in the long run….The club has a very close spot in my heart and always will so I really hope it turns out for the best - I am an Athena Fan.”

The blogger fielded many questions from members of WA football family at the recent Gold Medal event regarding Miki's future. So where to now for Miki V? – “There have been a number of offers since the end of the season (and during the season and past seasons) but at the moment I’m just enjoying the break. I still have a good few years at Premier League level and would like to see myself tested and challenged in a new environment. So we’ll see what happens".

On behalf of the Athena faithful it is appropriate that respect is given towards Miki's time at the club. M. Vujacic has been a valuable member of the Floreat Athena squad for the past five years under two coaches and he has contributed admirably to much of the clubs recent success. The new coaching staff have chosen to take a different path regarding the positions covered by the player. It is every coaches prerogative to make these hard decisions and I have no doubt that it would have been a difficult one to make. Miki is a popular person and clearly has football talent and ability. As a past club man of the year recipient his honour and service to our club extends beyond football and Floreat Athena wishes good fortune to the young man in his chosen future endeavours in WA football.

It is fitting and appropriate that we reflect on the form and talent of the player that he exhibited to be named in the 2004 WA All Stars team – two seasons before being signed by Athena from Swan IC.

Three cheers Milorad Vujacic!

Miki VUJACIC (Right Midfield) - Exciting young midfielder Miki Vujacic was the unsung hero at Swan I.C. The versatile 20-year old arrived in the Swan Valley on a free transfer from Adelaide City and immediately began producing the sort of form which made him a regular for Future Glory in 2002. Vujacic's sublime skill and electrifying pace are best utilised on the right flank, although he's also proven just as effective when operating from the centre of the park. Prominent in mid-season fixtures with Inglewood United (R8) and Perth S.C. (R13), Vujacic moved up a gear for the Boral Cup Final in which he orchestrated Swan victory over Fremantle City by laying on the opening goal for David Foster and then netting the game's deciding goal himself. 

Mark Pritchard 2011 FAFC Club Champion

       Former under 23 Wales international Mark Pritchard 2011 FAFC Club Champion

No one would have been surprised with Mark Pritchard's status of being the favourite to collect the club champions fairest and best award being confirmed on Saturday evening at Floreat Athena's night of nights.

Pritchard began his career at EPL outfit Swansea City, making his professional debut on 21 October 2003  After a short spell on loan with Merthyr Tydfil at the end of the 2004–05 season, Swansea boss at the time Kenny Jacket deemed him surplus to requirements at the Liberty Stadium and he was allowed to join Conference National side Aldershot Town, where he scored his first senior career goal during a 4-2 defeat to Blackpool in the FA Cup. After a relatively successful two year spell at Llanelli he was released by the club and joined local rivals, Camarthen Town, in the summer of 2009. He left Carmarthen in 2010, spending a brief spell at Goytre United before joining Oxford City.

In early 2011 Mark moved to Perth, and signed with State Premier League side Floreat Athena. After a short and expected period of adjustment to local conditions during one of the hottest Perth summers for two decades Pritchard quickly began to show his class with a long string of fine performances.  He was also recognised as one of the most entertaining imports to the WAPL in 2011. It did not take long for him to become a fans favourite with his silky skills and his all round football ability being on display for the Athena faithful.

Mark has always presented himself in a professional manner and his skills were noted and rewarded by State team coach Robbie Dunn with his selection in WA vs Perth Glory. Here he performed admirably with a wonderstrike beating Glory goalkeeper Neil Young from inside his own half with a miraculous finish.

Pritchard is the complete player. He has the ability to control the midfield, the pace to gain space with a natural tendency to attack, a competent set piece executioner and in a season that saw Athena lose more than it won he was also required on numerous occasions to reveal his defensive qualities.

Off the park the man oozes respect and humility and he never once shied away from reflecting his pride and appreciation of everything that it means to be an Athena player.

Upon receiving the award his humble nature came to fore. Whilst ecstatic with winning the coveted prize of 2011 Floreat Athena club champion, he was quick to thank the selectors and to inform the audience of his gratitude to his fellow team mates, the senior coaches and the Board for making him feel welcome at the club.

Mark Pritchard - we salute you.

Privately he has expressed a strong desire to remain at Athena for season 2012. The wave of offers from other rival clubs have inevitably begun. Securing his services for next season as soon as  possible would send a clear message of Athena intentions. Any further delay in negotiating his signature would seem illogical.

Other award winners

Golden Boot - Liam Boland

Troy Bernard Rising Star - Liam Boland

Players Player - Paul van Dongen

Runners Up Club Champion - Julian Madaschi

Trophy Night Wash-Up

As someone intensely fascinated with our clubs history and tradition it is with great disappointment to this blogger that the trophy night did not see the display of three unique and very important trophies. These awards were created for the explicit purpose of being presented at the clubs annual trophy night.

First - The Troy Bernard Rising Star trophy is an impressive glittering perpetual award in honour of the club legend whose life was tragically cut short in a work accident. This should have been handed to Boland in an honourable right of passage and history.

Second - The George Papas Club Man Award was also conspicuously absent from proceedings.

Thirdly - The perpetual club champions trophy that is beautifully adorned with name badges of past winners - also a mind boggling no show.

The non-appearance and lack of special mention of these awards in inexcusable at an event that was held in the clubrooms. The blogger is not sure what this signals. Is it an act of sheer laziness or ignorant oversight. 

Regardless of the reasoning or excuse it needs to be deemed as a gross error in judgement and must serve as a notice of room for improvement for all future Boards and persons bestowed with the honour of conducting future FAFC trophy nights.

Finally, The 2011 Night Series championship in an otherwise difficult year deserved more than passing reference and it remained for outgoing coach Ante Kovacevic to remind everyone of the significance of this achievement.

With the historian it is an article of faith that knowledge of the past is a key to understanding the present. - Kenneth Stampp

A country (Club) without a memory is a country (Club) of madmen.
George Santayana

I have received quite a few of these awards over the past 5 years it would be nice to see someone challenge me!

I have seen a lot changes at the club this year - lets hope there are not too many more

- 2011 FAFC Supporter of the year - Travis Papadopolous

New Athena Coach in the First Team Hot Seat

                                    Athena Fans at the MCG, Greece vs Australia

With the sudden and shock departure of senior coach Ante Kovacevic who cited personal reasons and the non-appointment of lifetime club stalwart Taki Nicolaides the search for their replacements began immediately. 

Unsubstantiated suggestions have emerged that the outgoing coaching staff had voiced concerns about the less than desirable levels of support being provided by the Board for the football operations department of the club. Coupled with the sacking of reserves coach Goodman - plans with a focus on the future playing squad seemed somewhat professionally compromised.

Hot unbackable favourite in rumour mill around the football town from the outset to take on the vacancy was Chris Barbas. He was the current Under 18's coach who had successfully guided his side to an emphatic cup final victory of sheer character and determination only a few weeks back.

With the important emphasis always being on stability at a football club - it was critical that that a sound decision was made quickly. At the club AGM on Friday September 23 2011 Barbas was announced as the senior coach of Floreat Athena Football Club.

To the best of the bloggers knowledge this makes him the first home grown, player to rise to the position of first team coach from beginning  through all junior and senior ranks at Floreat Athena. The membership wished him luck on the back of the President's impassioned call "that he will do a brilliant job". This being a constant  dream that all Athena  fans have of all the coaches and teams in the clubs history.

No doubt Barbas as the incumbent coach is well aware of the expectation and the rights of passage and honour now upon him in the hots seat at Floreat Athena. The step up to senior football will bring with it many new challenges.

It is well held that the much coveted vacant position of senior coach at arguably WA football's 2nd highest profile club historically - did not go out out to an interview recruitment process with t he Board opting for an appointment from within its coaching ranks as sometimes is the case at football clubs. So credit to the board for committing to its decision in a prompt manner.

As a state league player in the 1980's, Barbas was a high profile and well regraded goal keeper for both Floreat Athena and Perth Italia. He returned to the club just 2 years ago after over 2 decades away from the club to take up the 18's coaching position under the Poulios presidency period.

During his absence Chris earnt a reputation as a successful and highly committed coach in WA junior football coaching circles, in particular at his then club Inglewood. His ambition to ultimately coach at the highest level in WA senior football was evident at the time of his appointment to the Athena 18's coaching position as he was in fact considered by the Board initially as a potential reserves coach.

What now remains to be seen is how the player group reacts to the sudden departure of club favourite Ante Kocavevic. A man who had become synonymous with the resurgen and recentt success at the club. This was achieved over the past five years of his tenure at the club with three of them as a player and two as a player coach. However, most importantly a year ago he was responsible for the the recruitment of the young group of players for whom 2011 was their first year at the club

With the time it took to recover from the sheer number of quality players who left the club during the 2010/11 summer massacre at Brtiannia Road  - the last thing the club needs now is a similar casualty rate. This would be demoralising for all concerned at the club.

It is crucial that we retain the great majority - if not all of the playing roster. This will bring with it the added benefit of the virtues of a period of stability and loyalty. Along with some appropriate strategic decisions of bringing in new blood that would fit the new coaching teams plans and goals  - then the clubs demands and expectations of success have a greater chance of being met in 2012.

It is well held that the side will need bolstering in some critical areas areas if it is at all to seriously challenge for a top five finish over 22 weeks in the home and away format. However to date no direction has been indicated to determine what kind of football operations budget will be allocated. Until then no predictive judgement into 2012 can be made.

The fans will wait eagerly and somewhat nervously until two significant things occur.

Firstly, that senior quality experienced players that will be in demand at other ambitious clubs are retained - none more so than captain Madaschi, midfielders Pritchard, Isaia, Moran, Vujasic, Catalano defenders Franz, O'Connell, Smith, striker Boland and goal keeper Dunn. 

So that makes a core of 11. The ultimate challenge will be to find a quality and experienced centre half replacement for the almost ":irreplaceable" and certainly inspirational and highly respected Kovacevic. Secondly, we await the announcement of quality signings to add value to this list of core and critical players.

Finally the fans and supporters will remain patient with great anticipation to learn a little more about the qualities of this first time in the big time coaching group as they strive to leave their mark on the progress of Floreat Athena Football Club.

Blast from the Past

1987 Night Series

Grand Final So it was, Bayswater Inter and Floreat Athena, who would decide who would take the lions share of the prize money as well as the magnificent trophy. Bayswater a year ago in the 1986 Final were soundly beaten by Stirling Macedonia and were determined to erase that disappointment, but were up against Floreat Athena who were equally determined to give their coach, Kenny Worden, an opportunity of winning his ninth major title in Australia.

At the end of full and extra time the clubs could not be separated from a 1-1 score. This low scoring was mainly due to some tremendous goalkeeping by the two keepers, Chris Barbas and Steve Martin. It was shame that such a game had to be decided by shoot-outs, but then those are the rules. And it was Bayswater Inter who had the best score-line at the end as they converted three shootouts to Floreat Athena's two and went on to collect $12,500 and the Emu Export Night Soccer Series Trophy.