2018-2019 SFL Preview: Perth AFC

Last Season: 3rd (Championship)

The rise and rise of AFC has been nothing short of dramatic. Juniors are lining up and sponsors are knocking at their door. If AFC can crack the top four in the first half of their maiden season in the SFL watch the players flock in and the juggernaut build momentum. Rob Caruso, ever the man with a plan, will be ably aided by Director of Futsal Ben Gertau. The South Metro founder undoubtedly still stung each time he sees South Perth in blue.

The duo have enough savvy to hold their own this season. But will it be enough to lure a big fish to the club? They did it in the WSFL with Katarina Jukic, can they manage it in the SFL after missing out on Thiago Mesquita?

Sam Eastman is rumoured to sign on. He tore apart Stirling in a matter of minutes a few seasons ago when Tigers snagged a Grand Final berth. At the very least he’ll justify the decision of the league to put ashtrays at the entrances. Most likely he’ll be a menace at set pieces and try to be as good as Tom Eastman, his signing confirmed. Another with close ties to the AFC group is one time Golden Glove winner Lachlan McAlindon. Hamstrung by injury in his penultimate season at Tigers, if he signs he could prove essential for the coming campaign as he sets about reclaiming his throne as the league’s premier keeper. Then again Mike Kelly is no slouch.

With the start of the campaign in a matter of days away, the signings of the next few days will show if they’re contenders or dark horses. Will Gertau work the South Metro angle to get a few faces in? Spiro Nenadicc has featured for AFC after all. Wonder what Andreas Bouzinekis is up to these days.

Hell no matter who they sign we can’t wait for the Spearwood Lions game. Regardless of how the first season pans out, you just know they’ll be stronger in the second.

Main Man: Nathan Thorp

Top goalscorer for Perth AFC in the Championship for two seasons the big target knows where the goal is. Gavranic and Bergomi have come up from the Championship and done the damage to SFL defences. Mean on the turn and with a thumping shot, it could be the big man’s time to shine.

One to Watch: Mike Kelly

Keepers always seem to love pink, Mike is no exception. If Lachlan McAlindon signs up he faces an almighty fight for the SFL spot. Club MVP the season before last and with quality showings in the SFL Cup versus league heavyweights EWA and Fremantle, the experienced shot stopper could prove pivotal as AFC find their feet.