Author: Craig MacKenzie

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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SOCCER STRIKER Sam Orritt and midfielder Jordan “Kaka” Avraham have agreed terms with Langwarrin. The duo had been trialling at Lawton Park and were called to a meeting with head coach Scott Miller last Tuesday to be told that they were wanted men. That triggered negotiations with Langy president Tanya Wallace but Miller was confident that there would be no hitches in the talks. He was right. “They’ve both bought in to what we’re trying to do here and they’ll both add quality to the squad,” Miller said. “They also bring an intensity to compete which is another positive.” Orritt…

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SOCCER SAM Orritt’s trial with Langwarrin ended with a visit to Frankston Hospital last weekend and x-rays confirmed that he’d broken his collarbone. He’d lined up against Melbourne Victory at Lawton Park on Saturday in a friendly that was to play a part in determining whether he would be offered a place in the senior squad. Just 20 minutes later he was given a support bandage for his injured right shoulder and assisted from the arena before Langy president Tanya Wallace drove him to hospital. Orritt will decide shortly whether to pursue a surgical option but it seems likely that…

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