Fremantle FC | 2019/2020 Macron SFL WA Preview

They looked in rude health a month ago. A season of SFL action under the belt of Fremantle’s young brigade served them well. 33 rounds saw finals heartache along with maiden Series Futsal Western Australia and U19s JSFL crowns. That seemed to set the stage for a run at silverware.

Then the inspirational Daniel Muzzarelli flew the coop. Avoiding the well worn path to Stirling in favour of the Sydney Mountain Majik as the flanker chases opportunity in the NSW Futsal Premier League. We wish him all the best and hear he’ll be home at Christmas and ready for round 13, but what will welcome his return?

The Australian Futsal Club Championship may hold the answer. Their golden trio of juniors duked it out with the nation’s best, a strong showing there suggesting Diego Florenca, Benji Mikhael and Jake Pizzuto have moved from young up and comers to ready to push for more. After all, Dylan Garac and Moh Totonchy came for honours not babysitting.

Puppy dog eyes at Chris Rocchi failed to pay dividends as Fremantle look to go with what have yet again. Dylan Garac and Moh Totonchy starting the season at Fremantle after their jaunt to the PFL showcase in Texas will prove vital. The ever underrated Liam Cummins will have to join them to chip in with a few extra goals until Muzzarelli checks back in while Luke Tidy tries to stop Del Rosso shooting needlessly. Stick to the Tidy’s plan and stay within range of the top half in 2020, they may just bag a spot in the top six.

After all 2020 does have a massive upside, with Danilo Dias Neves feeling his way back after his heartbreaking injury. If he hits half of his old form, well. The thought of Muzzarelli, Totonchy and Danilo running together in attack will be one for the purists. Fremantle just need to stay within striking distance until Christmas. It’ll be on the back of the kids if they’re to do it.

STAR MAN: Daniel Muzzarelli
He took the team on his back last season and had the numbers to show for it, pushing for MVP honours and almost hauling his side through finals. Inspirational and invaluable, it could be a question of the Captain has help or has to do it all himself when he checks back in. Until then it’s all about Sydney, will the Futsalroos or foreign opportunity beckon?

ONE TO WATCH: Danilo Dias Neves
We’d love to write about Jake Pizzuto. But this man is a Superstar when fit. His season was cruelly cut short a year ago in his pomp after dragging Fremantle into overtime in the all time SFL Grand Final. Fremantle will shield their hero from early expectations, but if the MVP hits form in the back end of the season the league will be in for a treat. He could launch Fremantle and their young brigade from dark horses to contenders.