Spearwood Lions FC | 2019/2020 Macron SFL WA Preview

Youth was in vogue last season, the Lions being no exception as they gave the cubs a chance to roar. Baby faced Hulk Brad Webb in goals and the fleet footed Javi Ramirez the pick of the breakout juniors. With an abundance of sides across the JSFL, no doubt we’ll see more names coming through.

Senior players were in short supply but the handful they had stood up to steer the youngsters as the squad ventured close to a few boilovers. Jamal Yusof the jewel in the crown. Goals galore after a few deft touches quickly became his calling card as the league took notice. EWA threw him into their squad for the WA Invitational without hesitation. The big Six will be circling Spearwood this window, a few marquee names wouldn’t go astray to help their goal machine and lock him in. Gideon Servatius could be one if that dynamic duo decide to link up again.

Spearwood are far from a one man band. Dorian Mardi was a rock up top and left defenders in a hard place. He bagged a few clutch goals and helped steady the ship while leading the line. It’s a struggle to lock down the Spearwood battering ram, with Chris Castro steadily supplying the ammunition.

The big three seem locked in unless a Faris Nor Rani or Mark Gavranic are already in Yusof’s ear. But the rumour mill says Mardi might be taking a well earned rest from futsal for a spell. But three months between seasons is massive and has given Castro and Kris Antonic time to recruit. Gideon Servatius would be handy if he’s available, ditto James Oldroyd if they can tempt his return.

STAR MAN: Jamal Yusof

MVP dark horse if the big boys even go slightly off the boil. Ever at the heart of Spearwood’s best moves, the graceful flanker is a silky operator and always good for a bag of 20 goals or so for the season. That means a bag of votes from the match officials. The Lions will be hoping that means a bag of points if they’re to build on a few big scalps last season.

ONE TO WATCH Javi Ramirez

Another speed merchant, another youthful flanker. The kid shot to promise last season in Draft, earning SFL game time along the way. In a club that has made it’s name on the back of the JSFL in recent times, the fleet footed finisher will be at the fore this season for a Lions side that won’t go down without a fight.