2018-2019 SFL Preview: Spearwood Lions

Last season: 5th

With wins against Fremantle amongst others in a fast start to the season, the freshly promoted side gave Stirling and Cumbre an almighty fright as the race for the top four went down to the wire. With their JSFL ranks in rude health it’s all about consolidation in the SFL in the summer. Cashed up and ready to pounce, can Kris Antonic and Shirash Sasikumar finally send the Lions to finals?

You have to wonder if they could have snatched a finals spot if they kept Robert Armellini in the fold. His departure hadn’t gone unnoticed as players like Alek Kukic were approached to step into the void. Then again with James Oldroyd at the top of the goalscorers charts and Jamal Yusof drawing envious looks from the leading lights of the league, maybe they don’t need an A-lister after all. What they do need is depth. Dorian Mardi and Chris Castro know their way around the league but thirty three rounds is a long time to roll with two or even three on the bench. Seems a common trend this season. No doubt the Futsal Factory and WA Lions connection will get flexed.

With the sponsors and the facility locked in, it all comes down to a few days to get the squad right. Spearwood are an attractive option for any player and you wouldn’t put it past them to spring a surprise. They did tempt Ricardo Louro back after all.

Who else is excited for when they tackle Perth AFC?

Main Man: Jame Oldroyd

The big Englishman with the thunderous shot and crunching tackle has the smarts to get the job done on the court. The spotlight may have fallen on Mark Gavranic last season, but the big target also took home the Golden Boot after missing a handful of games to suspension. If he can play the full season out, watch the records tumble.

One to Watch: Alexander Kretowicz

No stranger to the league after starring for Stirling and Perth United, the flanker has pace to burn and a finish to match. He can change direction and turn a match on it’s head in the blink of an eye. He’s another with no outdoor distractions this summer and curiously always seems to go under the radar. Just watch as Spearwood reap the benefits as the speed merchant looks set to cut loose.