A changing of the guard at the Weston Bears has led to the dawning of a new era at the Maitland Magpies as both teams prepare for Sunday's National Premier League opening round.
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Former Weston Bears defensive trio Brock Oakley and the Thorton brothers Carl and Liam joined the Magpies in a busy off-season highlighted by the signing of three A-League experienced players.
Former Socceroos defender Dean Heffernan and ex-Central Coast Mariners teammates Matthew Crowell and goalkeeper Matthew Trott will make their NPL debuts for Maitland at Cooks Square Park against Hamilton Olympic on Sunday.
Former Socceroo and Newcastle Jet Matt Thompson remains at the club and played a crucial role in the team’s fortunes last year.
Weston Bears coach Trevor Morris was also able to make some key signings but will be banking on the development of youngsters from the club’s strong youth program.
Morris has named 17-year-old defender Will Myers in his starting line-up with left-back Lachlan Rowan also promoted for the Bears home game against Newcastle Jets Youth.
Hamilton central defender Greg Anderson, who missed last season because of a broken leg, former Lake Macquarie utility Dylan Murphy and South Cardiff duo Mitch Wallace and Lee Ashton are also in the Bears squad for the opening game.
Fellow South Cardiff recruit Ash Balcomb is still recovering from injury and is still a number of weeks away from being considered.
Maitland coach Steve Piggott and Morris agreed there was a sense of relief and excitement that the long off-season was finally over.
“We’ve been on the track and played eight trial games, so we are more than ready to get into the season,” Piggott said.
“We’ll probably have 12 new faces in our squad of 16 for the opening match, so we are not expecting instant results.
“The players we have brought in have settled well into the club and our younger boys are benefiting from having their experience around.
“But it takes time for a team to come together and while the trials are vital for working on combinations and identifying any flaws there’s no substitute for top-flight competition.”
Morris said his squad had been training well and had a real level of enthusiasm going into the season.
“We have brought Will Myers and Lachlan Rowan in for the first game, but I expect we will give time to a lot more of our juniors coming through,” he said.
“We’ve lost of experience up back but it’s giving opportunities to other players who may not have had them before. It’s always exciting blooding youth.”
Kick off for both Sunday’s fixtures is 2.30pm.
