Author: Craig MacKenzie

SOCCER PLAYER-coach Matty Morris-Thomas believes that Seaford United can challenge for the State 4 South championship this season. He already has agreed terms with experienced midfielder Scott Webster and fellow veteran Shane Tagliaferro has trained and played in a practice match for the local club but Morris-Thomas has four more player targets in his sights and wants to move on them immediately. “Yeah we know who we want and if you come down to training next Thursday you might even see them there but we won’t make any announcements until they’re over the line,” Morris-Thomas said. “Look we had a…

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SOCCER LANGWARRIN’S Wallace Cup breakthrough and some major signings by local clubs stole the spotlight last weekend. Langy’s cup success was eight years in the making as the annual event named in honour of the club’s former president had never graced the trophy cabinet at Lawton Park. It does now thanks to penalty shootouts in the semis and final. Langy prevailed in the first semi against State 4 outfit Seaford United but not before its less fancied opponent made life tough for the NPL2 club. Langy triallist keeper James Burgess from Springvale White Eagles saved penalty attempts from Tristan Stass…

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SOCCER THERE is increasing doubt about goalscoring legend David Greening remaining at Somerville Eagles. The veteran marksman was due to arrive back in Melbourne from an overseas holiday as we went to press and has declared his unhappiness with what he claims are mixed messages emanating from his club. Two weeks ago new senior coach Billy Rae said that he would like Greening to be a playing assistant coach but that role has also been offered to fellow striker Mark Pagliarulo. “The mixed messages I’ve heard coming out of the club are a worry with different guys being offered the…

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SOCCER VETERAN Somerville Eagles striker Mark Pagliarulo and goalkeeper Robbie Acs have clubs clamouring for their services. “Pags” met with Somerville president Luke Mulder, vice president Craig Bozelle and director of football Zach Peddersen on Sunday having previously spoken with new senior coach Billy Rae. It’s understood that the club is keen for him to take on a role as a playing assistant coach. His strike partner David Greening is on an overseas holiday but it’s believed that he too has attracted the attention of other clubs. “Pags” will be a busy man as he was due to meet with…

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SOCCER LUCAS Portelli signed with NPL heavyweight Oakleigh Cannons last weekend while Fraser Maclaren could return to former club Beaumaris. Ex-Melbourne City teenager Portelli agreed terms in October for a second season with Langy but attracted the interest of Cannons and played against Melbourne Victory in a practice match on Saturday. Oakleigh won 4-0 and Portelli had a 30-minute hitout. “He’s come under my radar quite a while ago and I wanted to know what the boy was like so we had a meeting with him and his dad and invited him down to a training session,” Cannons boss Chris…

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