South Perth FC | 2019/2020 Macron SFL WA Preview

Robert Armellini. What a coup, and snagged right on time to draw in Luka Bergomi too. Is that raid on Longobarda enough to crack the top six?

Finally rid of the mess of the past regime when the club were in chaos, South Perth find themselves in rude health off the court and bursting at the seams with youthful promise and enough veterans to overhaul the spine.

Brad Kneebone is one such veteran. He comes in with the experience to quickly become a rock at the back. Will that push Duc Tran out the door or up a notch? The fight for the #1 shirt could define their season. Dilan Patel returning to help Filip Ronjica is a welcome boon after they found themselves short on the ground at times last season and on the receiving end of a few shellackings in the SFL.

Their promising crop of 19’s, such as Josh Ban and James Toth, and senior players need help. Jakub Prajza is likely good for a few cameos for a limited time only. A handful of names to avoid being caught out squad wise wouldn’t go astray, can they pillage the social leagues for the cream of the crop? Being too prepared never hurt anyone, but complacency certainly has.
Then again we talk too much. Fact is Robert Armellini is a massive in. Willing runners are now united with a curly haired conductor in chief, now is the time. With Cumbre and Fremantle in flux, if South Perth are to crack the top six now is the time.

STAR MAN: Robert Armellini

Massive addition, you get the idea. His transfer means South Perth are no longer dark horses, they’re contenders. If you were to name the headline acts of the SFL on one hand he’d be there. Those who have played with him understand, you don’t get invited to three tournaments in the off season if you’re just making up the numbers. His vision and wand of a left foot are the artists brush to Roberto Boi’s hammer and club. They’ll want to get cracking sooner rather than later, and we’d like to see how the opening rounds pan out.

ONE TO WATCH: Filip Rojnica

Ever the goal threat, always in motion. South Perth are far more menacing when the fleet footed flanker is on the boil and fit. The big six casted envious glances his way to no avail as Rojnica looks commited to the project down South Perth way. The reunion with Dilan Patel will be welcome this season, and they got the help in Bergomi and Armellini. South Perth a massive chance to crack the Six as they chase that elusive next step.