2018-2019 SFL Preview: Rockingham Cambio Cumbre

Last Season: 3rd

If you want a gauge on how Cumbre fared last season, check Head Coach Wazeem Omar’s new role at the helm of the State U16 side. La Cumbre rolled the dice with youth last season and nearly came up with silverware. It looks like more of the same for the club with JSFL talent to burn.

In Nestor Fonseca they have a man on a different level. He hit beast mode in finals and nearly went back to back SFL MVP only for his protege to snatch the award, Tyler Garner. Undoubtedly the only MVP in recent memory with a library card and a curfew. The star duo look certain to shine again in the summer, the only question being who joins them in the starting five.

With Faris Noor Rani seemingly set to return, word is Yazid Omar may be set for an Australian summer to lend his skills to the rebuild barring International commitments. Those two with Fonseca and Garner a frightening prospect, alby backed by Rain Blauberg and Ahmad Rahimi between the sticks. If the latter hits his Golden Glove form of a few seasons ago, brace for questions over playing half and half from the winter season.

It looks to be another all in with the junior this summer as the club entrench themselves in Rockingham. Jaidyn Watson the pick of the kids after making strides last season. High expectations are on Ryan and Liam Ellison, a few strong showings and a touch of consistency in Draft and this looms as their breakout season. Theo Arlan another poised for a run if one of the senior keepers go down or Rahimi decides to play up top. New signings need to fit a profile, young, talented and hungry. Bakyr Zeyad of Carioca certainly fits, whereas Zain Rose is just hungry as Carioca and Ultra Tigers alumni become this seasons must have.

Knowing the Cumbre way is another tick for wannabe recruits to the red. We hear Rico Zulkarnain is passing through the area…

Main Man: Tyler Garner

It gets tiring talking about how good Fonseca is, let’s ask if Garner can go back to back? No outdoor and successive grand final losses could spur the young star on to lift the big one in the season he finally hits 18. The kid has the world at his feet, his P plates and talent to burn. It’s on him to see what happens next.

One to Watch: Jaidyn Watson

The big flanker with the high pony was a standout the last campaign and stepped up once Tom Penman departed and Liam Petley struggled with injury. A season of SFL time, a few clutch tackles and a handful of goals did his confidence a world of good. Can he take it up a notch once more?