Copyright 2014 Academy League. www.academyleague.com.au - Page 6
SOCCER
Anthony's Avondale
After 26 rounds, Avondale Heights claimed the NPL1 title and secured promotion to Victoria’s highest football division, the NPL.
In a bid to find out why they dominated the league, Andrew Bishara spoke to championship winning Coach Anthony Barbieri about how they became champions and how they’ll tackle the NPL next year.
You’ve had a remarkable season Anthony. Your team dominated the league and took the title. What was the success down to?
“You can’t get anywhere without a lot
of hard work and dedication. I think the
team had great camaraderie, great resolve, plenty of character and talented players. When you put it all together, the team as a collective had the right ingredients to be successful.”
Were there expectations that you’ll win the title?
“To be honest, the boys probably defied a lot of people’s odds to get promoted, but we did it through hard work from both the players and coaches.”
So it’s not just players that helped the club to reach the top?
“I think of the hard work and the key to success is to have a good group of coaches around you. Adam Inglese (Avondale’s Assistant Coach] has been my rock for the last three years.”
What was the team’s biggest strength?
“Well, everyone contributed throughout the year. Our success over the last three years has been our defence, our defensive structure and our backline has been our strength for the best part of the year.”
Arthur's Lasting Legacy.
After six years at the helm, Box Hill United coach Arthur Georgiou says his goodbyes. He tells Andrew Bishara about his legacy and what the future holds.
The last game of Box Hill United’s season was a significant event. It wasn’t the 3-1 win over St Albans Saints that mattered. Nor was it the final game of a twenty six round season, in which United finished third in NPL 1, narrowly missing promotion by four points.
No, this game was significant, because after six years of pushing the club to new heights, Head Coach Arthur Georgiou said his goodbyes.
“There’s mixed emotions,” says Arthur, as we recount his final season at the helm.
“I’m sad, but I’m also happy. The main reason I’m leaving is to spend some time with the family, especially with my son and daughter. So yes I’m happy for that."
“But I’m also sad as I’m leaving a place I dearly call home.”
His second home is Wembley Park, Box Hill United’s home ground. Since 2009, Georgiou has not just been a leader, but a figurehead in the rise of United.
Thanks to a “lot of help from some great people” Georgiou lifted United from Victorian State League 3 to NPL 1, the second division behind the newly formed National Premier League Victoria.