2018-2019 SFL Preview: Stirling FC

Last Season: 4th

Agony at the death last season after finals carnage sent Stirling packing and back to the drawing board to recruit heavily in the off season. Thiago Mesquita the marquee man, with Ali Milheim of Carioca and Chris Rocchi of Fremantle two of the big names in. Braza looking to loom as the major challengers for the crown after three seasons without.

In a season of transition Moh Totonchy and Ali Khateri offered plenty going forward in winter. Throw in Czech veteran Pavel Parihuzič with the cannon that is Rob Ftynogiannis and the scheming of Adriano Martino you have a core to rival any in the league. Depth, several injuries and absences had them drop points last season. Now, with Victor Brauner in for the summer, the new faces coming in and youngsters like John Goodchild and Joel Di Toro that looks to be a thing of the past this summer. That’s before mentioning Mousa Al Kaltham and Dylan Garac. 

Goalkeepers could be where it comes unstuck. Ryan Scott and Felipe Amazonas performed admirably last season but thirty three rounds is a lot of futsal and an injury to either could spell disaster. Can they tempt Ricardo Louro home or Jaydon Baker back into the limelight? Only time will tell.

Main Man: Adriano Martino

Struck double digits when the season was in it’s infancy and was in and about for MVP honours before a nasty ankle knock last season had him play through the pain. Still, winter had the Captain make massive strides since coming back from a horrible knee injury all of a year ago. With Victor Brauner undoubtedly the star of the show, it’s about time AJ show us a timely reminder just how good he is.

One to Watch: Joel Di Toro

Draft League MVP nominee and the heartbeat of that side at all of 16 years of age. Murdoch and Cumbre have shown the way with blooding the youngsters in SFL these past seasons, pundits hope AJs protege can make SFL his own for Stirling this season. Rarely turns the ball over or skips a beat with his movement and passing Joel has the world at his feet. You can bet on him pushing new signings and old as competition for SFL spots heats up at Stirling this summer.