Maitland Magpies' tough pre-season: eight trial games in eight weeks

Following the departure of their gun strike partnership of Braedyn Crowley and Joel Wood, Read will get his chance to shine as a striker this season. No pressure.

"He's played as a centre back who you could throw forward late in games if you're chasing a goal," Bolch admitted. "But he's about 29 now, so he's well experienced and he knows where the goals are.

"He has the skill to make a go of it, so I don't see it as much of a gamble."

The new role for Read will come in what is largely a new look for Maitland this season.

Apart from Wood to Valentine, and Crowley to Bentleigh Greens in the Victorian NPL, veteran keeper Matt Trott has retired, as has midfielder Andrew Swan after a knee reconstruction. On top of that right back Tom Davies has linked up with Newcastle Olympic.

That's a hole - and bucket loads of experience - out of any side. Not surprisingly the Magpies have organised eight trial matches - one for every weekend between now and the start of the new season - as Bolch looks to bed down new combinations.

"We'll play every weekend ... we have trip away to Coffs Harbour on February 20, but all the rest are around around here," Bolch said.

Maitland have the biggest challenge of all - premiers Edgeworth at Edgeworth - in the opening round. But rather than lament the losses, Bolch is looking at the positives.

"Last year we had injuries and we got to blood a number of players," he said. "Sam Webb who plays high on the left got some game time, as did midfielder Dylan Bozanovski, so they'll get their chance. We even had young fullback Tarell Dhasumsa in the squad - he was only 15 years old when he made his debut. So in some ways it's an exciting time."

The player movement hasn't been a one way street with some valuable acquisitions too.

Aside from Read, midfielder Charlie Cox is also back after playing with Sydney Hakoah for the past two seasons. At 22, he brings youth but with experience.

Another 22-year-old midfielder, Ty Cousins has joined from Broadmeadow Magic. Bolch said he has been training the house down.

Another former Magic player who has joined is goalkeeper Lachie Watson. He started last season in first grade but lost his spot and is looking for a new opportunity to establish himself.

"And don't forget we still have a core from last season ... guys like Carl Thornton, Ryan Clarke, Zach Thomas, Jim Thompson," Bolch said. "Chris Fayers is back from Malaysia too, so I think we'll be all right. We'll start off aiming to get a semi final spot, just like we do every year."

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