Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Pre-season is in full swing


Photo:  The Hobart Zebras squad listen to coaching instructions last night [PlessPix]
Preparations for the 2019 season are well under way at many clubs and several pre-season friendlies are scheduled for the coming week.

On Saturday, Olympia Warriors entertain traditional rivals Hobart Zebras at Warrior Park at 11am, while South Hobart take on Beachside at KGV Park at noon.

Next Wednesday, 19 December, South Hobart and Hobart Zebras clash at KGV Park at 7pm.

On Friday, 21 December, Glenorchy Knights play South Hobart at KGV Park at 7pm.

Photo:  Zebras coach David Smith (centre) with assistants Enzo Botte (left) and John Moutsatsos [PlessPix]

David Smith, the new coach of Hobart Zebras, said he is pleased with the way his squad is progressing.

Zebras beat Taroona 3-0 in a pre-season friendly last Thursday.

Henry Fagg is back training with Zebras, while Beachside team-mate Adam Lapolla is also training with Zebras, as is youngster Luca Frarraccio.

Zebras have signed former Northern Rangers goalkeeper Sam Whatman, but keeper Jake French is rumoured to be training with Clarence United.

 Photo:  Zebras warm up at John Turnbull Oval last night [PlessPix]

Zebras striker Adam McKeown is recovering well after his Achilles tendon operation last season and he played for a short time against Taroona last week.

Striker Mathew Sanders will fly in from Melbourne for Saturday’s hit-out against Olympia.

Meanwhile, South Hobart are trying to arrange a pre-season friendly against champions Devonport City. 

Both teams are happy to travel so a venue has yet to be decided.

Photo:  Zebras goalkeeping coach Frank Mainella (centre) working with Sam Whatman (left) and Nathan Reid [PlessPix]

Devonport have regained the services of Daniel Syson, who has rejoined the club after a stint with Launceston City.

And, they have signed Connor Parke, a Burnie boy, who has been playing in Queensland with NPL club Grange Thistle.

Youngster Kynan West has also decided to commit to Devonport after being torn between soccer and Australian Rules. 

Photo:  Chris Hey (right) and Adam Powell (second from left) conduct Zebras' women's training last night [PlessPix]

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Heard about Southern FC today. t's a pity as there are a good club doing their best.
About time FFT started looking after their competitions as it seems that clubs with volunteer base are being stretched to the max.
Time to look after the other stakeholders other than the NPL clubs.
Now that the championship is now 8 teams time for FFT to revert back to the 21 rounds. So much for them already releasing the rosters.