2018-2019 SFL Preview: Murdoch Warriors

Last Season: 6th

They have won the league before you know. Murdoch surged off the foot of the table at the tail end of last season. That momentum proving key in carrying their squad to JSFL Youth and SFL Draft crowns in dramatic fashion, their young side continuing to be blooded over the past year. What damage can they dish out this season and how far can they go?

Raffaele Capasso looks to pull the strings off the court in a return to the President’s chair. Ably aided by Dina Basto they’ve already kick started fundraising ahead of sending their Champion JSFL Youth Side to the Futsal Oz Junior Nationals next. If the wheels are oiled off the court that means a returning son can focus on futsal and the campaign ahead.

Massimo Basolu returns to take the reigns of the SFL side with the aim to make his homecoming a triumphant one. The Sardinian trickster a boost for the young squad, how he navigates playing and coaching will prove key in how the Warriors fare this season. Think he can talk Mousa Al Kaltham into a return?

Alex Basto and Meysan Kanani look the jewels in the crown this season. Basto a jet heeled flanker with a penchant for cutting in onto his left foot. Meysan Kanani all technique and physicality, one for whom pressing isn’t as much a chore but a religion. Mauricio Da Rocha and Danial Forbes were steadying influences last time out. Their experience will be pivotal as the next wave of JSFL graduates look to fuel the Murdoch machine.

Especially if the Ronnie Varas to Footballista rumours refuse to go away.

Main Man: Danial Forbes

With Murdoch hitting sides on the counter in a smash and grab last season they always needed a wall at the back, and they got one. The big goalkeeper with the deft touch and cat like reflexes put his best foot forward last season. Whether it’s steering his side from the back or the bench his form stamped out the warriors initial goalkeeper rotation as he became their number one in every sense of the word last season. Time to do it again.

One to Watch: Justin Tang

Top goalscorer and MVP in Draft the youngster racked up the goals at an alarming rate as his side surged to claim the crown. Alarming for anyone not in yellow anyway. He starred in an U15 WA side featuring the likes of Jason Quintiliani and Marko Bulatovic. Now to star for a Warriors side with Da Rocha and Basolu.