Having just led Heidelberg United to its best finish in 12 years, Head Coach Johnathan Clemente is confident that the Bergers can once again contend in 2023.
Despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to FC Bulleen in the semi-final 2022 was a remarkable year for the club. Averaging almost 2.5 goals a game Clemente’s high-octane style of play drew plenty of praise from the footballing community.
“Win or lose if you’re a neutral you’ll want to watch Heidelberg. Bringing more eyes to the NPLW is something I’m strong about so we aim to keep the ball, pressure high up the park and play an entertaining style,” Clemente said.
Heading into season 2023, Heidelberg’s squad has experienced significant turnover due to the success of the squad, with a number of players gaining A-League contracts.
Although this will undoubtedly create some challenges around team chemistry, the strong foundations laid last year means optimism is high at Olympic Village.
“We’ve had a good pre-season. With eight new players coming in the key for us is getting the squad to gel,” Clemente said.
“It’s important to realise with the squad turnover we won’t pick up exactly where we left off from last year. But we have built strong foundations and have the same mindset and philosophy, so I think we’ll get stronger as the season goes on.”
“We were the team to watch last season but now we are the team to beat so there is an added pressure and expectation that comes with that. I love the challenge,” he added.
In terms of player recruitment, Heidelberg has focused heavily on signing players who have proven winning mentalities and have been a part of successful squads in the past.
Olivia Bramley joins the club after playing a key role in West Adelaide Hellas’ treble winning campaign. The defender also spent two years with Leicester City and is expected to play a key role in the heart of Heidelberg’s defence in 2023.
Japanese midfielder Reona Omiya will be a familiar name for NPLW fans. Experienced and full of technical quality, she joins the Bergers after a successful stint with Adelaide United.
Adding more steel to the midfield, Alyssa Rose has signed from NPL NSW powerhouse Blacktown Spartans. Rose has A-League experience with Western Sydney Wanderers and has also been involved in Australia’s national setup as a junior.
“We will have a different feel about us in 2023 with new players who have different strengths than previous years, but the core values and identity of who we’ve grown to be as a team will be there for all to see,” Clemente said.
“We’ve done a lot of culture-based training to help gel. Showing vulnerability with each other and team bonding - that includes me too,” Clemente said.
In the final third one key loss for the Club is Golden Boot winner Danielle Wise. The star striker couldn’t stop scoring last season and recently made the switch to rivals South Melbourne. Despite the loss Clemente is confident the team can rise to the challenge.
“Dani was a fantastic person and a fantastic player during our time together but we have brought in attackers that will evolve the way we play and take our goal scoring ability to the next level,” Clemente said.
One of the players tasked with leading the frontline is Nicole Blackett. The NPLW SA Player of the Year proved she was one of the best attackers in South Australia last season and captained West Adelaide to its aforementioned treble winning campaign.
TWEET: Nicole Blackett scoring one of June's goals of the month with a long-range free kick for West Adelaide.
Kylo Charalambous also joins the club after having stints with Perth Glory, Canberra United and most recently a title winning season with Macarthur Rams.
Adding to the experienced talent making their way to Olympic Village young guns Kat Nikpour, Karina Tolios and Tamsyn Smith have also joined ahead of the new season.
All three have shown significant ability early in their careers and Clemente is confident that Heidelberg’s ability to produce and nurture talent has become a strong selling point for the Club.
“We proved how special our program has grown to be and we set the trends in many aspects of the NPLW last season. I’m excited to show what we’ve built at Heidelberg, it can’t be bought or replicated,” he said.
The Head Coach, along with his staff Theo Kontos and Amir Balagic have a big proposition to look forward to in Round 1 – a clash away to archrivals South Melbourne FC.
The match will be followed by a home fixture against FC Bulleen in a rematch of last year’s semi-final.
“The players we signed this year are all winners. Whether it’s NPL level, A-League level or youth level, they’ve all had a taste of winning and now we want to win together.”
“Playing South Melbourne is always one of the games of the season. We’re excited for it, they’ve recruited well, Heidelberg v South is always a big derby,” Clemente said.
OPENING FIXTURES
South Melbourne v Heidelberg United
Heidelberg United v Bulleen
Bayside United v Heidelberg United