Mariners Squad 2022/2023

[Ozhammer]

Wouldn't rely on that. Apparently we haven't signed Danny.

Yeah quite a few errors across the article, typical lazy click bait journalism

 

[Forum Phoenix]

Love some insight into the dressing room right now. And people to talk me off the ledge and give me their thoughts on how we're going to make it happen this year. (Beyond expecting 8 youth players to have a break out season.)

Max as our 21 year old captain is a pretty massive call. He's made me a fan, but it still scares me in what it says about the lack of other leaders in our side. 1200 odd minutes at A league level is around 13 full games worth of experience... Unless he speaks like a young Julius Cesar I can't think of another side Max would get a look in at this stage of his career. In all honesty he'd be fighting just to get a start at most clubs.

From what I've seen so far, Ruys, Beni, Cum Dog and Kuol are our best players... (though happily Silvera impressed against Canberra and I'm a big believer in Dan Hall) But in central midfield, I think we're in trouble both creatively and in physicality... And our backline - how can you know? Feels like it really could go either way right now...

So much change, so much youth, not the squad expenditure at all expected...

Massive wraps to Monty if we look the goods this year. Certainly a man of his own convictions.

 

[marinermick]

Love some insight into the dressing room right now. And people to tell me talk me off the ledge and give me their thoughts on how we're going to make it happen this year. (Beyond expecting 8 youth players to have a break out season.)

Max as our 21 year old captain is a pretty massive call. He's made me a fan, but it still scares me in what it says about the lack of other leaders in our side. 1200 odd minutes at A league level is around 13 full games worth of experience... Unless he speaks like a young Julius Cesar I can't think of another side Max would get a look in at this stage of his career. In all honesty he'd be fighting just to get a start at most clubs.

From what I've seen so far, Ruys, Beni, Cum Dog and Kuol are our best players... (though happily Silvera impressed against Canberra and I'm a big believer in Dan Hall) But in central midfield, I think we're in trouble both creatively and in physicality... And our backline - how can you know? Feels like it really could go either way right now...

So much change, so much youth, not the squad expenditure at all expected...

Massive wraps to Monty if we look the goods this year. Certainly a man of his own convictions.

Given our club has pretty much turned into a shop front, is the elevation of Max as captain an attempt to increase his value? No basis for this comment. Just a thought.

 

[Tevor]

Love some insight into the dressing room right now. And people to tell me talk me off the ledge and give me their thoughts on how we're going to make it happen this year. (Beyond expecting 8 youth players to have a break out season.)

Max as our 21 year old captain is a pretty massive call. He's made me a fan, but it still scares me in what it says about the lack of other leaders in our side. 1200 odd minutes at A league level is around 13 full games worth of experience... Unless he speaks like a young Julius Cesar I can't think of another side Max would get a look in at this stage of his career. In all honesty he'd be fighting just to get a start at most clubs.

From what I've seen so far, Ruys, Beni, Cum Dog and Kuol are our best players... (though happily Silvera impressed against Canberra and I'm a big believer in Dan Hall) But in central midfield, I think we're in trouble both creatively and in physicality... And our backline - how can you know? Feels like it really could go either way right now...

So much change, so much youth, not the squad expenditure at all expected...

Massive wraps to Monty if we look the goods this year. Certainly a man of his own convictions.

Spot on with your concerns and I’m sure you are not the only one with similar worries. I expect Saturday to still be very experimental so whilst it will help it will not be the full picture.

 

[shipwreck]

Was the squad anywhere near this experimental at this point last lre season?
We made it to the Australia Cup grand final...

 

[Drew]

Was the squad anywhere near this experimental at this point last lre season?
We made it to the Australia Cup grand final...

No it wasn’t, but I feel because we’re out of the cup, we can be more experimental in the pre season games to see what works and what doesn’t, also note that last pre season was disrupted by covid too, and we didn’t have as many new players last season, had a more solid core, will be interesting to see how we go with a heap of new players in key positions

 

[samster]

Love some insight into the dressing room right now. And people to tell me talk me off the ledge and give me their thoughts on how we're going to make it happen this year. (Beyond expecting 8 youth players to have a break out season.)

Max as our 21 year old captain is a pretty massive call. He's made me a fan, but it still scares me in what it says about the lack of other leaders in our side. 1200 odd minutes at A league level is around 13 full games worth of experience... Unless he speaks like a young Julius Cesar I can't think of another side Max would get a look in at this stage of his career. In all honesty he'd be fighting just to get a start at most clubs.

From what I've seen so far, Ruys, Beni, Cum Dog and Kuol are our best players... (though happily Silvera impressed against Canberra and I'm a big believer in Dan Hall) But in central midfield, I think we're in trouble both creatively and in physicality... And our backline - how can you know? Feels like it really could go either way right now...

So much change, so much youth, not the squad expenditure at all expected...

Massive wraps to Monty if we look the goods this year. Certainly a man of his own convictions.

I definitely agree that it doesn't feel like we have invested much into the squad on paper but locking down guys like Farrell, Kuol, Steele, Nisbet, Hall etc into long term deals was crucial. Plenty of clubs doing rebuilds this season which would have been happy to throw money at those guys.

Looking at our most common XI from last season compared to an expected XI this season, I feel like the squad is very much on par with last season. The biggest question mark being CB.

Last season - This season:
GK: Birighitti - Vukovic (If not an upgrade, definitely an on par signing)
RB: Miller - Aquilina/Roux/Kuveski (Bit of a question mark, but plenty of depth)
CB: Hall - Hall
CB: Rowles - Kaltak/Kelechi (Biggest question mark in the squad, time will tell)
LB: Farrell - Farrell
CM: Nisbet - Nisbet
CM: Balard - Balard (Started to look really sharp at the end of last season, expecting a big season)
RW: Nkololo - Nkololo (Will be much better for having a full pre-season)
LW: Goddard/Smith/Moresche - Kuol (Huge upgrade, Garang keeps getting better)
ST: Urena - Ayongo/Ruhs (Big loss in terms of experience but Ruhs has looked solid in pre season)
ST: Cummings - Cummings

I'm not saying we are going to have an easy time of it, but I don't think we are miles off the pace and knowing how good Monty and Serge are at getting the best out of young guys I'm staying positive.

 

[Tevor]

I definitely agree that it doesn't feel like we have invested much into the squad on paper but locking down guys like Farrell, Kuol, Steele, Nisbet, Hall etc into long term deals was crucial. Plenty of clubs doing rebuilds this season which would have been happy to throw money at those guys.

Looking at our most common XI from last season compared to an expected XI this season, I feel like the squad is very much on par with last season. The biggest question mark being CB.

Last season - This season:
GK: Birighitti - Vukovic (If not an upgrade, definitely an on par signing)
RB: Miller - Aquilina/Roux/Kuveski (Bit of a question mark, but plenty of depth)
CB: Hall - Hall
CB: Rowles - Kaltak/Kelechi (Biggest question mark in the squad, time will tell)
LB: Farrell - Farrell
CM: Nisbet - Nisbet
CM: Balard - Balard (Started to look really sharp at the end of last season, expecting a big season)
RW: Nkololo - Nkololo (Will be much better for having a full pre-season)
LW: Goddard/Smith/Moresche - Kuol (Huge upgrade, Garang keeps getting better)
ST: Urena - Ayongo/Ruhs (Big loss in terms of experience but Ruhs has looked solid in pre season)
ST: Cummings - Cummings

I'm not saying we are going to have an easy time of it, but I don't think we are miles off the pace and knowing how good Monty and Serge are at getting the best out of young guys I'm staying positive.

I'm less concerned with the backs than I was at the start of the pre season with Kye and Lewis leaving. I feel midfield is the only concern. Don't forget we had Bozanic for more than half the season and whilst we played well when he was riding the pine we were still dominated by the better sides and I feel most teams have better and more experienced midfields than we do. I'm also comfortable with the front third. You only have to look at the Cup game against Shitney to see how much a weak midfield impacts the team and it is why Aquilina looked so rubbish and Hall struggled. I rate Niz and think Balard is coming along however you compare that midfield to every other team and tell me it is even close to comparable. Injuries and suspensions are inevitable so where is our back up?

 

[Ironbark]

I'm actually quite optimistic about Kaltak/Kelechi from the little I've seen of them both

I think we'll have a fit, fighting, fast, strong and dynamic squad that will burst forward to goals. I think our backs will hold up well.

I also think, like last season, the teams that know how to squeeze our midfield will beat us repeatedly and I'm just hoping Monty has a plan for this.

 

[samster]

I'm less concerned with the backs than I was at the start of the pre season with Kye and Lewis leaving. I feel midfield is the only concern. Don't forget we had Bozanic for more than half the season and whilst we played well when he was riding the pine we were still dominated by the better sides and I feel most teams have better and more experienced midfields than we do. I'm also comfortable with the front third. You only have to look at the Cup game against Shitney to see how much a weak midfield impacts the team and it is why Aquilina looked so rubbish and Hall struggled. I rate Niz and think Balard is coming along however you compare that midfield to every other team and tell me it is even close to comparable. Injuries and suspensions are inevitable so where is our back up?

No I definitely agree with you, we rarely dominated the midfield last season and relied on a solid backline and a creative front 4 to win games. I trust Monty has identified this as well, time will tell

 

[Ancient Mariner]

I think by the end of the season we will see that Kuveski is a step up from Miller in the RB position.
Big call, but you heard it here first.

 

[AuzDutchy]

Love some insight into the dressing room right now. And people to tell me talk me off the ledge and give me their thoughts on how we're going to make it happen this year. (Beyond expecting 8 youth players to have a break out season.)

Max as our 21 year old captain is a pretty massive call. He's made me a fan, but it still scares me in what it says about the lack of other leaders in our side. 1200 odd minutes at A league level is around 13 full games worth of experience... Unless he speaks like a young Julius Cesar I can't think of another side Max would get a look in at this stage of his career. In all honesty he'd be fighting just to get a start at most clubs.

From what I've seen so far, Ruys, Beni, Cum Dog and Kuol are our best players... (though happily Silvera impressed against Canberra and I'm a big believer in Dan Hall) But in central midfield, I think we're in trouble both creatively and in physicality... And our backline - how can you know? Feels like it really could go either way right now...

So much change, so much youth, not the squad expenditure at all expected...

Massive wraps to Monty if we look the goods this year. Certainly a man of his own convictions.

The thing with natural leaders, is they dont need an armband to lead

sometimes giving the armband to a player that it will boost can be as effective as giving it to a general type player (hutcho) who will bring the best out in those around him

i see Ballard as the captain of the young boys, the leader for the kids to aspire to and follow, and the older guys in the squad will all lead as a group to help the younger guys on, Monty obviously sees leadership in Ballard and just maybe, he thinks the captaincy will bring Ballard to another level

 

[Coastalraider]

Last year we had a very weak midfield. We have lost our most experienced player in that DM rotation in Oli, and haven’t added a specialist there at all, even from youth. The fact we are already experimenting with CBs in the role is very concerning- our very obvious weakness from last year is arguably even weaker this year.

 

[pjennings]

In defence we should be able to fashion a decent back 4 out of Farrell, Roux, Cresnar, Windust, Kaltak,
Kelechi, Triantis, Hall, Aquilina & Kuzevski.

Attacking wise we have Ruhs, Ayongo, Cummings, Kuol, Nkololo & Silvera. Possibly also Matty and a returning Moresche

My only real concern is the central midfield. Balard and Niz and to some extent Steele all operated well there last season, But we have lost Ollie who played well early in the season and we have already sustained injuries in this area. An experienced box to box midfielder would be good, or even a solid DM allowing Niz or Max to play a more forward role.

 

[Tevor]

We can all see it so I'm confident Monty and Co also know it. You will have to assume on Saturday it will just be Balard again and whom ever we are experimenting with in the mids as I doubt Niz is ready yet and no word on Steele. Against City we will not have a lot of possession if that is the case.

 

[Big Al]

Love some insight into the dressing room right now. And people to tell me talk me off the ledge and give me their thoughts on how we're going to make it happen this year. (Beyond expecting 8 youth players to have a break out season.)

Max as our 21 year old captain is a pretty massive call. He's made me a fan, but it still scares me in what it says about the lack of other leaders in our side. 1200 odd minutes at A league level is around 13 full games worth of experience... Unless he speaks like a young Julius Cesar I can't think of another side Max would get a look in at this stage of his career. In all honesty he'd be fighting just to get a start at most clubs.

From what I've seen so far, Ruys, Beni, Cum Dog and Kuol are our best players... (though happily Silvera impressed against Canberra and I'm a big believer in Dan Hall) But in central midfield, I think we're in trouble both creatively and in physicality... And our backline - how can you know? Feels like it really could go either way right now...

So much change, so much youth, not the squad expenditure at all expected...

Massive wraps to Monty if we look the goods this year. Certainly a man of his own convictions.

Let’s see who the captain is once the season starts. Danny would/should take that role.

Depends on what sort of captain as well. Is he a game captain as he is the best thinker in the side and then there is more a club captain like a Matt Simon who has the pull when they are off the field or at the pub etc.

I agree our mids are weak but also who in the league is going to tear them apart. I haven’t seen to many sides with more quality that would tear this boys apart.

SFC doesn’t really have a great midfield. Can be better than ours but not by a big amount.

Maybe Victory and Adelaide are the two that are clearly better but no one else sticks out.

Will we loose games through the middle - Yes for sure but I don’t see them loosing to many.

As for the backs it is certainly not as good as last year but if Dan Hall is struggling to play well because of the pressure of the new players that’s a good sign that the new recruits are good. Right back is looking a worry but a club our size will always have weak points.

We also have the finishing up front but maybe missing something to connect them all.

I think we will be in the finals again, just probably not as high as we should have been last year.

City and Victory probably top 2 and the rest is pretty even.

 

[midfielder]

Looking across the league as a whole, my analysis is every team has a better squad than last year the overseas imports have been impressive.... also I think the coaches are more experienced and better set up for the coming season....

Whether we are a stronger squad this year than last is debateable but that SFC, Jerks, WSW, MV, MC, Nix, PG have much stronger squads is not debateable... also Cows, AU & WU seem stronger as well....

When balancing the squad last year all clubs uncertain with just prior to the season start no media deal in place and Cov still around.

Will be a big test for Monty because this is without doubt his squad and as I said above I think the league overall is far stronger this year.

 

[Tevor]

Let’s see who the captain is once the season starts. Danny would/should take that role.

Depends on what sort of captain as well. Is he a game captain as he is the best thinker in the side and then there is more a club captain like a Matt Simon who has the pull when they are off the field or at the pub etc.

I agree our mids are weak but also who in the league is going to tear them apart. I haven’t seen to many sides with more quality that would tear this boys apart.

SFC doesn’t really have a great midfield. Can be better than ours but not by a big amount.

Maybe Victory and Adelaide are the two that are clearly better but no one else sticks out.

Will we loose games through the middle - Yes for sure but I don’t see them loosing to many.

As for the backs it is certainly not as good as last year but if Dan Hall is struggling to play well because of the pressure of the new players that’s a good sign that the new recruits are good. Right back is looking a worry but a club our size will always have weak points.

We also have the finishing up front but maybe missing something to connect them all.

I think we will be in the finals again, just probably not as high as we should have been last year.

City and Victory probably top 2 and the rest is pretty even.

Did you miss Burgess running riot in the cup game, I would love an O'Shea, Burenguer, Piscopo, O'Neil, Ninkovic, Isaisa just to mention a few tried and tested midfielders in the A league.

Whilst I rate Niz his attack and scoring ability is not in the same realm as most of the group mentioned above. Balard and Steele haven't shown enough in their short A League careers as yet. Bozanic was a scoring option for us last year, not replaced.

 

[pjennings]

Looking across the league as a whole, my analysis is every team has a better squad than last year the overseas imports have been impressive.... also I think the coaches are more experienced and better set up for the coming season....

Whether we are a stronger squad this year than last is debateable but that SFC, Jerks, WSW, MV, MC, Nix, PG have much stronger squads is not debateable... also Cows, AU & WU seem stronger as well....

When balancing the squad last year all clubs uncertain with just prior to the season start no media deal in place and Cov still around.

Will be a big test for Monty because this is without doubt his squad and as I said above I think the league overall is far stronger this year.

I look at who we lost.

Rowles - will be sorely missed
Urena - big loss of experience and football smarts - offset to some extent by Cum Dingo's arrival in January
Birighitti - Danny will be better
Miller - will be missed - hopeful that Sash may prove better
Bozanic - played well early but we delivered more without him.
Hatch - good against tiring defences

Goddard - promising but underdelivered especially after Covid
Tongyik - hardly played
Smith - little impact - behind Faz then injured
Muller - underdelivered
Tsekenis - enough said

and possibly Matty - didn't play

 

[midfielder]

^^^^^^
PJ

With the lost of both Rowles & Miller, our backs seem weaker time will tell...

Biri V Danny given Danny's age .... ????

We have two senior players in Cummings and Danny... somehow I don't see Cummings as a team leader... hhhmmm to harsh.... not in the same way as say Urena...

I think we will do well and not expecting a return to the wooden spoon days... however that other squads have strengthen is reasonably clear...