AFTER the perfect 2022 season that broke a 16-year trophy drought with a treble, Swan Hill Soccer Club looks to defend its crown in 2023.
The Swans return to the park this weekend, travelling to Moama to take on Border Raiders FC.
In any sport, the challenge of staying at the top of the mountain is tougher than the climb itself, and the Swans will face teams who are hungry to knock off the top dog every week.
The change of mindset in going from the hunter to the hunted has been ingrained in the squad this pre-season by manager Tony Di Palma, who told The Guardian he had been trying to keep his side in check for a few months.
“It’s a new season, and we have to start from scratch,” he said.
“I’ve been trying to instil the right mindset and getting them doing the processes that led us to success at the end of last season.”
The strength of Bendigo Amateur Soccer League’s Division 2 has improved significantly this off-season with the addition of five clubs.
Di Palma said he expected this season to be a more demanding exam for his side, but the opening weekend would give them a good chance to study what they’ll face.
“Round 1 will give us a good indication of not just where we’re at but other teams as well and how well they’ve recruited.”
There has been an international flavour at Ken Harrison Reserve this pre-season, with the club recruiting three Englishmen, Jason Stokes, Gareth Johansen and Stephen Whittaker, who are in town as seasonal workers.
The trio know what it takes to win at this level, having played district soccer at home.
While the scouts have been busy at work, a couple of key cogs from last season, defenders Michael Kadar and Jim De Gregorio, will be missing.
Di Palma said they would be hard to replace.
“That’s where we might become the hunted, and our opposition sees a bit of weakness as they were intricate parts of our team,” he said.
“Our holding midfielders will be crucial in dropping back to cover for their loss.”
This has prompted a change in formation by Di Palma, with last season’s 4-3-3 being replaced by a 4-4-2 due to the heightened defensive midfield need.
The Swans also head into the season missing star striker Connor Brown through injury.
This has presented an opportunity for teenager Fazel Amran to lead the Swans’ attack.
“He’s come up to the seniors from our under 16s this season,” Di Palma said.
“The first couple weeks will be a big wake-up call playing senior soccer, but it will be a great learning curve for him.”
It was a strong preseason for the Swans – a game against NPL Victoria giant Oakleigh Cannons under 20s ended 1-1 before an 11-1 win against Mildura side Three Colours last weekend.
They will head into the match against 2022 bottom side Border Raiders FC this Sunday as firm favourites.
However, Di Palma is wary of his opponents, who could have an early season sugar hit themselves.
“These guys might have picked up a few international players as we did, so we’ve got to be cautious of all teams,” he said.
The SHSC women’s side also returns this Sunday, facing Kyneton Rangers away.
They’ll look to improve after a winless season last year.
The men must wait until round 5 for their first home game, when they’ll take on Golden City Soccer Club.
