After narrowly missing the top six last season, Avondale is poised to bounce back in 2023. The Avengers have consistently been at the business end of the table in recent years and following some astute recruiting, Head Coach Zoran Markovski says the “sky is the limit” for his side ahead of Round 1.
2022 was a frustrating season for the club, with a number of key players being hampered by injury throughout the campaign. Despite being in the finals running the lack of squad continuity eventually took its toll, as Heidelberg beat the Avengers to sixth place.
“I think last year we failed a little bit, for Avondale to not make the six is not what we expect as a club. It is the minimum.”
“We are not going to get carried away, we know last year we had a lot of injuries, and we had a longer pre-season than any other club on top of the COVID-19 situation, but we always aim high as a club.”
To date, the Avengers have welcomed six new players into their ranks providing added depth and quality to a squad that is already imbued with elite NPLM talent.
Queensland native Zander Guy, coming off a standout season for St Albans Saints with 8 goals, will bring versatility and directness to the Avondale’s attack while Gavin De Niese, who joined from Dandenong City will provide Markovski with consistency and leadership in the middle of the park.
26-year-old centre back Ayden Brice is another shrewd recruit for the Avengers and is expected to add stability and experience to the team’s spine after joining from rivals Melbourne Knights. He’s joined in making the switch from Somers St by goalkeeper Thomas Manos. Also 26-years-old, the shot-stopper is a proven NPLM talent who will start the season as the Avenger’s first choice in goal.
“I think we have injected some experienced blood and we are looking forward to the season to see how they all gel,” Markovski explained.
“We know we have a job to do and if we bring our best, we will be up there challenging.”
“Zander (Guy), Gavin (De Niese), and Ayden (Brice) have added a bit of experience and hard work to the group with a good winning mentality.”
The squad started pre-season on November 14 and the mood in the camp has been positive leading into Round 1.
“The energy has been really good over the last couple of months,” Markovski said.
“The majority of the boys will get plenty of game time to give themselves the best chance to put their hand up for a spot in round one,” he said.
“When we played Melbourne Victory, they had about seven senior players playing and there were real positive signs from the game, there have been really pleasing signs from the matches so far.”
With a clean bill of health, a host of new singings and returning stars such as Liam Boland, Kristian Trajceski, Stefan Zinni and Yitay Towns, Markovski is expecting a high level of competition for spots.
“I have a squad of 20 and every player is going to have to fight for their position every week, no one is guaranteed anything,” he said,
“You need to perform or someone else is going to take your spot.”
Avondale start the 2023 season on the road against Port Melbourne on Saturday, February 18 in what will be an enthralling encounter before returning to Avenger Park for back to back home games against Altona Magic then Hume City.
ANNOUNCED TEAM NEWS
INS: Ayden Brice (Melbourne Knights), Gavin De Niese (Dandenong City), Zander Guy (St Albans), Thomas Manos (Melbourne Knights)
OUTS: Bon Scott (Bentleigh Greens), Scott Hilliar (Bentleigh Greens), Stefan Valenti (Oakleigh Cannons), Brandon Lundy (Oakleigh Cannons)
OPENING FIXTURES
Round 1: Port Melbourne v Avondale FC
Round 2: Avondale FC v Altona Magic
Round 3: Avondale FC v Hume City