Tara Murray
It’s a new look Altona Magic in the National Premier League competition this season.
After a disappointing 2021, which saw the side finish 12th, the Magic under coach Savvas Patikkis
have looked to rebuild the side and put in a long term plan.
Patikkis said the club needed a bit of a reset.
“We have had 13 players who have left from last season,” he said.
“It’s practically a new side. The players who left weren’t going to fit into the scope of the plans I have for the team.
“The team and the club needed a bit of an overhaul.”
Patikkis said the new group have had a really good pre-season, as they learn how to play together and form that team bond.
The new signings include Papua New Guinea international Tommy Semmy, Kim Abdul, Ashton Ahluwalia, Kim Abdul, Vince Lia, James Xydias, Mohammad Rahimi, Jamal Ali
Peter Skapetis and Jordy Vleugel.
Patikkis said the club had looked to get a longer commitment from the new players, so they can build something together.
“We’ve looked to bring in young energetic players who work hard,” he said.
“We’ve signed the players to two and three year deals, which is a big achievement for a team that was down the bottom of the ladder.
“It’s hard to attract the right players and we’ve worked hard to do that.”
Patikkis was happy with the signs from the club’s first match of the season against Hume City, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
He said the result showed the players work rate.
“We were unlucky not to get the three points,” he said. “We had the better of the chances.
“To start off the season with a clean sheet at home against a strong side was really good.”
Magic will face Green Gully on Friday night in round two.
Coming from so far back, Patikkis said they are realistic with their expectations.
“The club is aware going into the season it’s a long term strategy.
“We would love to win the league in our first year together, bxut we’ll be competing for a top four spot.
“If they can work hard and compete, we could win a title within four years.”
