After a disappointing 2022, optimism is high at Paisley Park on the eve of the new season. In Head Coach John Markovski's third season in charge, Magic fans will be hoping the Club can springboard up the NPLM table and back into finals contention.
After sitting comfortably in mid-table for most of 2022, one win in the final eight games of the season led the Magic to slide dangerously close to the drop zone.
The Club eventually finished seven points clear of relegated Dandenong City but despite their challenges in the home straight, Magic fans will feel there are strong foundations in place for the new campaign.
Up until Round 18 Altona held the equal third best defensive record in the league and even when things went south, the side rarely conceded heavily - positives John Markovski will undoubtedly draw on as the Round 1 clash with Hume City draws closer.
“Progression moving forward is good, but we still have got a little bit of work to do, nothing is perfect,” Markovski said.
“The vibes are positive though and everyone has had a great attitude."
Altona has enjoyed an impressive run throughout the pre-season, defeating Port Melbourne and Bentleigh Greens before claiming the Maso-Cup in Newcastle. A 2-0 win against Melbourne Victory last weekend added to the positive momentum at Paisley Park ahead of the NPLM season kicking off.
"It’s always good to win, you are there to win games, it doesn’t matter if it is a friendly or home and away,” Markovski added.
“The players have all stood out. They have put in the hard work and will reap the rewards come Round 1. The players are each here to do specific jobs and if they all succeed, we should get results.”
“Moving forward from last year we have changed a few things and we have been able to put that practice over the pre-season."
“We want to play attractive football not offensive not defensive, just attractive football. That’s the way we want to play and obviously to try and win games.”
Altona has recruited a host of players ahead of the new year, ranging from young guns to interstate and local NPLM talent.
“Most of the players we have brought in are young kids and we are giving them a good opportunity to play at the highest level in our state,” Markovski explained.
“There are a few good players there, they are going to need to adapt; we just need to drill in our philosophies and what we want from them and hopefully they can do it sooner than later.”
One of the players to watch will be Cian Cuba, a creative midfielder signed from NPLQLD's Brisbane Olympic FC. A set piece specialist, Cuba will provide the Magic with extra class and spark in the final third.
Although one for the future, Zac Bowling is another singing who could go on to have an enormous future with the Magic. The young keeper joins from sister club Broadmeadow Magic and captured the nation's attention in last year's Australia Cup where he performed heroically in the nationally televised Round of 16 clash against Bentleigh Greens.
Versatile midfielder Justin Micallef also joins the ranks from the Melbourne Knights and will add class and experience to the first team.
Heading into the season, Markovski refused to put a ceiling on what his team can achieve.
“We want to go as high as we can. Everyone is in it to win the league but at the end of the day for our progression from last year if we can get in the top six I think it is a good bonus and we will take it from there anything is possible.”
ANNOUNCED TEAM NEWS
INS: Cian Cuba (Olympic FC), Darcy Anastovski (Melbourne Victory), Charlie Leech (Perth Glory), Zac Bowling (Broadmeadow Magic), Justin Micallef (Melbourne Knights), Christian Rossi (Werribee City)
OUTS: Chris Oldfield (Melbourne Knights)
OPENING FIXTURES
Round 1: Altona Magic v Hume City
Round 2: Avondale v Altona Magic
Round 3: Altona Magic v North Geelong Warriors