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ANZ Midland Business Centre |
Members Equity Stadium
Pier Street, Perth
Kick off 4.15pm
The Premier League season is over for another year and congratulation to Steve Neville and the Sorrento Football Club on their fine showing which saw them finish nine points clear of the chasing pack. The season comes to an official close today with the final of the Soccer Polls Cup in which an in-form Stirling Lions go up against Swan I.C.
The Macedonia Park outfit have been the big improvers of 2006 and finished the League campaign second place, pipping Cockburn City on goal difference. The coaching duo of former Everton and Sheffield Wednesday player Mike Lyons and one-time State boss Paul 'Geordie' Simmons has turned the side around after last season when the Lions finished just four points from relegation.
Stirling under went a lot of change last summer with Darko Ilmanoski and Riste Stefoski amongst the few to have survived. The pair forms a solid defensive wall with Kevin Henderson, Luke Pavlos and teenager Michael Pugliese. Between the posts they have Phil Straker who has the honour of conceding the third least goals in the League this season.
Midfield is where the drive comes from for Stirling. English imports Rob Miller and Keith Brown pull the strings in the centre with Jordan Rhodes and 16-year old Ludovic Boi both being influential figures down their respective flanks. There's no doubting Stirling will miss the goal scoring talents of Golden Boot winner David Dugdale and Ryan Jeans, but in Andy Brown and Phil Arnold they still possess plenty of firepower.
For the club from the Swan Valley, a Cup final date is becoming something of a habit. Swan lifted the trophy in 2003 and 2004 by defeating Perth SC and Fremantle City respectively, and a large part of that success was a stable line-up. The black and whites are coached by club legend Carlo Scali and assistant Michael Di Fulvio, both of whom were members of the 2003 winning side.
Swan made a great start to 2006 but fell away over the closing months to end in eighth position. The highlight of their season was back to back wins over Perth which enabled Swan to retain the 'Spring in the Valley' cup. And it'll be the steely determination Swan showed against their traditional rival that Scali will be looking for against Stirling.
Defensive concerns are a thing of the past for Swan who have the safe hands of Cory Hugo between the sticks. Rory Mouttet, Trevor Hatton and Justin Hugo provide considerable experience at the back alongside the likes of former State Schoolboys trio Paul Baczynski, Jonathon Mathers and Robert Monterosso.
The club's youth development policy is certainly paying off with youngsters Brendan Knox and David Perich competing for spots across the middle of the park with Damian Scali, Scott Campbell, Miki Vujacic and Englishman Anthony McStea. Proven goals scorer David Foster leads from the front where support comes in the form of Damien Catalano and Thomas Shepheard.
It has all the ingredients for a classic encounter - enjoy the game!!!!
Note: This is only the websites likely line up's and is taken from the latest games involving the two sides.
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Swan IC |
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Stirling Lions |
Carlo Scali (Swan IC)
You go in to the game with a couple of notable absentees, with Tony Cumace and Dom Ando missing. Your club has shown all season you have the depth and you must go into the final full of confidence. Your thoughts?
"Yes missing players has been an issue with us all year as we have struggled to keep the same team on the park. We have used something like 26 guys in the first team, which is a good test of the club depth but it also unsettles a side week to week. Missing guys like Tony and Dom will make our job more difficult as they are key position players, but we have done that at other times this year so we will come up with some capable replacements."
"We will go into the game knowing that the lions are the form side in the competition in the second round and our record against them has not been great we have drawn once and lost twice to them (2-1) this year in all competitions. But having said that we are confident in our own abilities and we are a hard side to beat so we will make sure we are prepared and ready for the challenge."
The club is not only healthy on the park but off it too. The work of the hard working committee has but a great deal of work in behind the scenes. Your thoughts?
"The club has made some big steps, on and off the park this year, and already is working towards 2007. There is a great core of dedicated people at the club in the committee, coaching the teams, supporting staff to all the teams and the supporters and players. They all have contributed to making the club move in the right direction. So the next few years will be an exciting time to be involved at Swans."
The game is to played at Members Equity Stadium. Do you believe this is a good move from Football West?
"It the best stage to play on in WA and it gives the players the opportunity to play on a great park, that will test their fitness and strength. Its difficult to know if it is the right move, I will let you know after the game."
Which players from Stirling Lions will you have to keep a close eye on in the Final?
"I have heard that young Boi has hit some good form and has been supplying and scoring goals, so he will be one that we will keep a close eye on and most of their midfielders who are quite mobile and effective at getting forward and back. Brown also has the ability to change the game and sets up a lot of their plays, so he will be looked at closely also."
Jonathon Mathers takes on Albert Osei-Tutu of Inglewood United in the Round Nine clash at the Kiev Sports Ground
You go in to the game with a couple of notable absentees, with David Dugdale and Ryan Jeans missing. Your club has shown all season you have the depth and you must go into the final full of confidence. Your thoughts?
"Yes we will certainly miss Dave Dugdale and Ryan Jeans both have given us a tremendous return in front of goal this season, with Dave scoring 19 goals and Ryan 17. However we are strengthened by the return from the UK of Phil Arnold whose form was sensational in the night series and he is looking sharp in training. Obviously Andy Brown will spear head the attack and we will have to wait and see who will be partnering him up front. We had a good session Saturday morning and all the guys were buzzing. We are confident but Swan is a side that never gives up and we are well aware of that."
The club is not only healthy on the park but off it too. Don Evans has but a great deal of work in behind the scenes. Your thoughts?
"It's very hard to imagine the work ethos that is applied at the club from all involved in the committee but special thanks for the success this season must go down to Don Evans. He works tirelessly and with the goal of advancing the club at all levels. He is not only fully committed to the development of football at his club but in the state in general. He has been a pleasure to work with this season."
The game is to played at Members Equity Stadium. Do you believe this is a good move from Football West?
"When you get to a final I don’t think it matters where its played it could be played in a paddock at the back of Wanneroo it's still a cup final and it is undoubtedly the best day on the football calendar. The only negative about Members Equity Stadium is the size of it which tends to dampen the atmosphere so its really up to all the supports of football in this state to turn up and create something special."
Which players from Swan IC you will have to keep a close eye on in the Final?
"As I have said in the past we never ever concentrate on opposition players we are more focused on ensuring we play to our game plan and play the game to our methodology. If we do the simple things right then we should get the result. Having said all that I have the utmost respect for David Foster who can win a game through his goals and Kevin 'Chan' Henderson will have to be at his best to keep him out."
Rob Miller challenges Brendan Ross of Perth S.C. in the Round Five meeting at Dorrien Gardens
Swan I.C. |
Stirling Lions |
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CORY HUGO Position: Goalkeeper Squad number:1 Date of birth: 17th March 1979 Previous clubs: Kingway Olympic, Western Australia Institute of Sport, Inglewood United For the past seven seasons Cory Hugo has been a permanent fixture between the uprights for Swan. Along the way he's played key roles in both the club's previous Cup Final appearances, gained State representative honours on a regular basis and last year split the Goalkeeper of the Year award with Gareth Deeg. Hugo has been in terrific form this season and will no doubt be instrumental in Swan's quest for a third Cup Final victory. |
PHIL STRAKER Position: Goalkeeper Squad number: 1 Date of birth: 12th December 1974 Previous clubs: Sunderland (UK), Sorrento, Fremantle City Straker learned his trade in the academy system at English club Sunderland. He arrived in Australia in 2003 and after spells with Sorrento and Fremantle City, joined Stirling last summer. Possessing lightning reflexes and having saved an astonishing eleven penalties this season, it's no wonder Straker is considered one of the best goalkeepers on the local scene. |
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PAUL BACZYNSKI Position: Centre back / Right back Squad number: 2 Date of birth: 7th October 1984 Previous clubs: Perth S.C., Inglewood United, Queens Park Paul Baczynski developed his defensive skills through spells at Perth S.C. and Inglewood United which lead to selection for the State Schoolboys. He looked to have been lost to the game following a year with Queens Park, but thankfully was lured out of early retirement by Swan last season. With a full pre-season under his belt, Baczynski has produced some of the best form of his career in 2006. |
LUKE PAVLOS Position: Right back Squad number: 2 Date of birth: 9th April 1980 Previous clubs: Western Knights, Ashfield It's very much a case of what you see is what you get with Luke Pavlos - a pacy, hard tackling right back who wears his heart on his sleeve. He spent the majority of 2006 playing in the Reserves and as the regular season came to a close won his place in the first eleven at the expense of teenager Michael Pugliese. Pavlos' experience and desire to put into attack down the right may just give him the nod ahead of Pugliese on Cup Final day. |
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ANTHONY MCSTEA Position: Midfield Squad number: 3 Date of birth: 16th May 1981 Previous clubs: Brandon United (UK), Durham City (UK), Newcastle Blue Star (UK) The late season arrival of Anthony McStea has given Swan a whole new set up attacking options. Possessing great ball control and distribution, McStea is comfortable anywhere across the centre of the park, be it as playmaker in the middle or running at defences from out wide. Stirling would be wise to keep a close watch on him. |
DARKO ILMANOSKI Position: Centre back Squad number: 3 Date of birth: 2nd March 1979 Previous clubs: Stirling Suns, Bassendean Caledonian Darko Ilmanoski will wear the captains armband with great pride in the Cup Final. He joined the club in early 2001 and is one of two survivors of the squad which won that year's First Division championship (Riste Stefoski is the other). When he pulls on a Stirling shirt Ilmanoski never gives anything less than 100%, while his determination and never say die attitude in truly an inspiration for those around him. |
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ROB MONTEROSSO Position: Centre back / Left midfield Squad number: 4 Date of birth: 15th April 1983 Previous clubs: Perth S.C., Future Glory, Stirling Lions, Armadale Rob Monterosso hasn't put a foot wrong since forcing his way into Swan's starting eleven in early June. Originally a midfielder, Monterosso effortlessly made the transition to the centre of defence where his aerial prowess and ability to read play have been put to good use. A Cup winners medal would be the icing on the cake of a fine season. |
KEVIN HENDERSON Position: Centre back Squad number: 4 Date of birth: 29th March 1977 Previous clubs: Morley Windmills, Bayswater City, Inglewood United At the heart of Stirling's defence is a rock solid partnership between newcomer Kevin Henderson and long-serving Darko Ilmanoski. Henderson was one of many additions last summer and quickly made his mark with a no-nonsense approach to defending and an ice cool demenanour. While a pillar of strength at the back, Henderson makes his presence felt at the opposite end of the park whenever a deadball situation arises. |
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JONATHON MATHERS Position: Left back Squad number: 5 Date of birth: 20th June 1986 Previous clubs: Balcatta, Future Glory, Bassendean Caledonian Former State Schoolboy representative Jonathon Mathers joined Swan in early 2005 and made an immediate impact by winning their 'Player of the Year' at the first attempt. The exciting youngster has enjoyed another strong, if injury interrupted, season. While not the tallest of defenders, Mathers knows how to 'put it about' and given the opportunity will use his explosive pace to turn defence into attack in the space of a few seconds. |
RISTE STEFOSKI Position: Centre back / Left back Squad number: 5 Date of birth: 3rd June 1975 Previous clubs: -- Having first played at Macedonia Park as a 13-year old and made his senior Lions debut six years later, Riste Stefoski is by far Stirling's longest serving player. The Lions stalwart nullifies opponents week in, week out through a non-stop workrate and his terrific reading of the game. He's also handy at deadball situations and chipped in with a few very important goals during the year. Disappointed when left out mid-season, Stefoski knuckled down in typical fashion and regained his spot in the first eleven. |
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BRENDAN KNOX Position: Utility Squad number: 6 Date of birth: 8th May 1986 Previous clubs: Forrestfield United The past few seasons have seen a progression of young talent through the ranks at Swan much to the benefit of Brendan Knox. On the fringes of selection last season, his versatility and silky skills have enabled him to command a regular berth in the line-up throughout 2006. A star in the making, Knox is considered integral in the clubs' future plans. |
KEITH BROWN Position: Midfield Squad number: 6 Date of birth: 30th September 1973 Previous clubs: Whitehill Welfare (UK), Blackburn Rovers (UK), Berwick Rovers (UK), The City, E.C.U. Joondalup, Heidelberg United (Victoria) Former Scottish youth international Keith Brown slotted effortlessly into the starting line-up upon his mid-season arrival at Macedonia Park. A fiercely competitive and uncompromising player, he fills the holding role in midfield brilliantly and is the perfect accompanyment to Rob Miller's attacking instincts. You can be guaranteed that Brown will give his all to bring Stirling Cup Final glory. |
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MIKI VUJACIC Position: Midfield Squad number: 7 Date of birth: 8th December 1983 Previous clubs: Perth S.C., Future Glory, Adelaide City (South Australia) Operating in the center of the pitch is Miki Vujacic who, on his day, is the best left sided players Western Australia has to offer. Amongst his bag of tricks are a strong work ethic and tremendous skill, while his delivery into the area, be it in open play or dead ball situations, is second to none. Vujacic has bagged some important goals for Swan this season including a sensational free-kick in the semi-final Cup defeat of Perth S.C. |
LUDOVIC BOI Position: Right midfield Squad number: 7 Date of birth: 7th September 1990 Previous clubs: -- When Ludovic Boi steps out on to Members Equity Stadium tomorrow he'll become one of the youngest players ever to feature in a Cup Final in this State. Blessed with pace and tremendous skill, it's no surprise that he's been given free licence to run at and wreak havoc upon opposing defences. There's no doubting that Boi's debut senior season has been sensational, and if he can continue to thrill and entertain there'll be no limit to what he can achieve. |
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THOMAS SHEPHEARD Position: Midfield / Striker Squad number: 8 Date of birth: 7th September 1983 Previous clubs: -- It was as a fresh faced 17-year old that Thomas Shepheard burst onto the scene with Swan. Originally utilised as an out and out striker, these days he's more acustomed to breaking out of midfield and taking on opposition defences. A danger whether he has the ball at his feet or when challenging in the air, Shepheard is guaranteed to give his all right up to the final whistle. |
ROB MILLER Position: Midfield Squad number: 8 Date of birth: 1st Febrary 1974 Previous clubs: West Ham United (UK) The man in the engineroom is English import Rob Milller. A box to box midfielder whose energy has no limits, his first and most likely only season in Western Australia has been a spectacular success to say the least. Miller covers an extraordinary amount of ground in ninety minutes and his piercing runs from the middle of the park were a key feature of Stirling's charge up the Premier League table over the second half of the season. |
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DAVID FOSTER Position: Striker Squad number: 9 Date of birth: 24th November 1983 Previous clubs: Sorrento David Foster has emerged as one of the State League's most lethal finishers since arriving in the SWan Valley three years ago. An Australian Schoolboys international, this season he's re-produced the same sparkling form that earned him the Golden Boot in 2004 and his twenty-one goals in all competitions make Foster the top flight's highest aggregate scorer. When not finding the net Foster is instrumental in creating and ensuring not a moments' rest for opposing defences. |
JORDAN RHODES Position: Left midfield Squad number: 9 Date of birth: 17th April 1987 Previous clubs: Charlton Athletic (UK), Mandurah City There is little doubt that Jordan Rhodes has been one of the stand-out players of 2006. A graduate of Charlton Athletic's youth academy, he spend a few seasons at Mandurah City before embarking on a sensational top flight debut with Stirling. Rhodes' desire to get forward and create chances, along with his dead ball prowess, are an integral part of the Lions' game plan. Definitely a player to watch out for. |
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DAMIEN CATALANO Position: Striker / Midfield Squad number: 10 Date of birth: 28th June 1984 Previous clubs: Perth S.C., Bayswater City The second part of Swan's strike force is Damien Catalano who has forged a terrific understanding with David Foster this season. Not one to shy away from a challenge, he signed early last year as an attacking midfielder and an uncanny knack for finding the back of the net lead to Catalano shifting up front during the recent campaign. With twelve goals to his credit this season Catalano is one of the first names on the Swan teamsheet. |
STEVEN HESKETH Position: Left back Squad number: 10 Date of birth: 15th December 1988 Previous clubs: Fremantle City A string of terrific performances in his rookie year have tagged Steven Hesketh as a player with a bright future. He enjoyed a good mid-season run in the first eleven but after captaining the State Schoolboys in Canberra was unable to regain his spot in a winning side. A tenacious left back with electric pace and a burning desire to get forward, Hesketh will be in competition with veteran Riste Stefoski for a Cup Final berth. |
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SCOTT CAMPBELL Position: Right midfield Squad number: 11 Date of birth: 10th September 1980 Previous clubs: Perth S.C., Inglewood United The past six months have been tough on Scott Campbell. A player blessed with skill and ability, the attack-minded midfielder has been in and out of the Swan line-up due to injury and work committments. Campbell, who joined Swan at the start of last year, developed his game at Perth S.C. before enjoying regular first football at Inglewood United for whom he gained senior State honours in 2002. |
PHIL ARNOLD Position: Striker Squad number: 11 Date of birth: 25th March 1989 Previous clubs: Swan I.C., E.C.U. Joondalup It's been a rollercoaster of a season for Phil Arnold. He started in sparkling form and scoring goals at will during the Night Series only to be forced on to the sidelines by an ankle injury. Upon recovery he headed to England for trials and has returned a much stronger player who's ready to do his bit in Stirling's quest for Cup Final glory. Arnold, last year's Youth Player of the Year, has phenomenal pace and will score goals at the slightest opportunity. |
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DAMIEN SCALI Position: Utility Squad number: 12 Date of birth: 5th December 1975 Previous clubs: -- Damian Scali has been a permanent fixture at Swan since stepping up to senior ranks in 1996. The heart and soul of the side, he provides a conduit for Swan to switch quickly from defence to attack and over the years has scored some memorable goals for the club. Scali captained the club to Cup Final victory in 2003 and 2004 and has his sights set on bringing home a third winners this weekend. |
MICHAEL PUGLIESE Position: Right back Squad number: 12 Date of birth: 7th August 1989 Previous clubs: -- A product of Stirling's youth system, Michael Pugliese will look back on his first year of senior football with great fondness. The teenager broke into the starting eleven during the Night Series and through a series of consistent performances occupied the right back position for much of the year. Pugliese's 'keep it simple' attitude and efficient use of the ball make him a key figure in the club's future. |
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DAVID PERICH Position: Right midfield / Right back Squad number: 13 Date of birth: 30th September 1987 Previous clubs: Kingsway Olympic Through hard work and a desire to suceed David Perich has emerged from the club's youth system to become an integral member of the senior squad. Although he prefers to play on the right, Perich is more than handy operating down either flank where his pace and ability to get past opponents has lead to many a goalscoring opportunity. Another of the youngsters in whom Swan see their future. |
LEO HARMAN Position: Utility Squad number: 14 Date of birth: 14th August 1975 Previous clubs: Joondalup City, Sorrento, Perth City The late season return of Leo Harman intensified competition for places in Stirling's matchday squad. He made a flying start to the year with a strong Night Series but, following a trip overseas, spent the better part of the season fighting to regain his place in the side. Harman is a handy player to have on your side as his ability to compete in either midfield or defence provides the coaching staff with a multitude of options. |
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RORY MOUTTET Position: Utility Squad number: 14 Date of birth: 26th September 1978 Previous clubs: Inglewood United Bringing a wealth of experience to the Swan Valley is Rory Mouttet. Comfortable playing an attacking or defensive role on on either the left or right side of the park, he returned to Swan last summer following several seasons at Inglewood United. One of the State League's most under-apprecaited players, Mouttet's onfield leadership and calming influence has had a stablising effect on Swan this season. |
MARK DONNELLY Position: Right back / Centre back Squad number: 16 Date of birth: 31st October 1979 Previous clubs: Sorrento, Western Knights, Ashfield, Swan I.C. Mark Donelly is a big defender who plays with passion and wears the Stirling shirt with great pride. Best suited to the right side of defence, he's found first team opportunities few and far between this year but given the chance will not let the side down. Donnelly, part of the Swan's 2003 Cup winning squad, provides a handy defensive option off the bench. |
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TREVOR HATTON Position: Sweeper / Centre back Squad number: 15 Date of birth: 29th September 1973 Previous clubs: -- Defence focused Trevor Hatton is the longest serving player at Swan having been on the scene since 1996. Unfortunately, the club stalwart has suffered at the hands of injury during the past couple of seasons but when match fit commands the backline masterfully. Hatton's reading of play is top notch and should he make the cut for the big day don't be surprised of he marks one of Stirling's dangermen out of the game. |
TONY ALEXOVSKI Position: Goalkeeper Squad number: 20 Date of birth: 13th February 1979 Previous clubs: Stirling Suns, E.C.U. Joondalup Tony Alexovski was drafted into the Lions' squad when up and coming goalkeeper Mark Bentley suffered a serious back injury late in the season. He's settled in quickly at the club where he's featured between the posts for the Reserves and provided back-up for senior 'keeper Phil Straker. Alexovski is unlikley to feature on Cup Final day but, should the need arise, will prove a difficult proposition for the Swan forwards. |
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JUSTIN HUGO Position: Centre back / Midfield Squad number: 16 Date of birth: 23rd March 1976 Previous clubs: -- Justin Hugo is the type of player that gets the job done week after week with a minimum of fuss and without ever reciecing the recognition he deserves. A member of Swan's Cup winning sides of 2003 and 2004, he's a valuable asset whether handed a midfield or defensive role and rare is it that he emerges from a tacke without the ball at his feet. Hugo hasn't played a lot of senior football this year and could be a 'wild card' selection. |
ANDY MASON Position: Striker Squad number: Date of birth: 10th January 1974 Previous clubs: E.C.U. Joondalup, Sorrento Despite lacking match fitness, Andy Mason may be thrown into the deep end with a Cup Final starting berth. The veteran striker missed much of the year due to work commitments but looked sharp and keen to get in the thick of things during some late season appearances for the Reserves. A proven goalscorer, a fully fit Mason would be an automatic selection at any Premier League club. |
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DANIEL AGUDELO Position: Goalkeeper Squad number: 20 Date of birth: 4th March 1988 Previous clubs: -- First team chances have been few and far between for Daniel Agudelo, who was recently called up for duty with the Australian Schoolboys. After missing last year due to a back complaint, his return to football this season was nothing short of sensational and had long-time custodian Cory Hugo constanting looking over his shoulder. Agudelo was integral Swan's Reserves finishing the League season in second place and qualifying to the Cup Final. |
ANDY BROWN Position: Striker Squad number: 39 Date of birth: 31st December 1977 Previous clubs: E.C.U. Joondalup, Kingsway Olympic You can be sure Andy Brown will make his presence felt in and around the 18-yard box. His career began as a central defender and in recent years has transitioned into playing the targetman role in attack. Big, strong and a major headache for those facing him, Brown may not score a great deal himself but plenty of goalscoring opportunities come off him. |
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Straker has good shot stopping abilities and sharp reflexes, which enable him to provide second efforts in most cases. He is a good communicator with his defense and organizes the team superbly. Hugo, the current joint keeper of the year, has an all round game and consistency that has maintained his standing in W.A football.
Both players are vital for their teams’ success and are usually the barometers for their teams success. Straker has shown his abilities in penalties and fancies himself against any opposition whilst Hugo is no stranger to big games participating in his 5th final and taking out best player in the 2003 epic against Perth SC.
Brown v Bazcynski will be a highlight of the day and will have a big say in the outcome of the event. Brown has been instrumental for Stirling this season being the perfect foil for Dugdale and Jeans, as he has become the go to man for Stirling in their attack going forward. Brown is the first option for his midfielders presenting well and holds the ball for the running fleet of Stirling to waltz past. His aerial ability also gives head aches for opposing defenses and is hard to match up on.
Bazcynski has been a revelation for Swan IC since moving over from Inglewood mid year in 2005. He is very good in the air and has excellent ball control for a player of his size. Bazcynski matches up very well on Brown and will need to use his height advantage on Brown not only on set plays but also open play. Bazcynski’s rise from a squad under 23 player at Inglewood to starting first team player in a cup final within 18 months exemplifies the hard work he has put in throughout 2006.
Both players don’t possess the greatest turn of speed but are vital to the shape and structure of their respective teams. Bazcynski will need to keep Brown away from goals and limit his supply to the oncoming midfield. He will be hoping the Swan midfield track runners and occupy the space in front of Brown whereby the Lions midfield like to play the ball for him to hold play up.
Stirling will go into this game as red-hot favourites. They are unbeaten by Swan in 3 encounters this year and lost only once in the run in to the final. Swan have had indifferent form and have somewhat stuttered their way with a luck win over relegated Bayswater and draws against fellow strugglers Inglewood and Wanneroo.
The Stirling midfield is firing on all cylinders with Rob Miller, Keith Brown, Jordan Rhodes and Ludo Boi all in season best form and play well in very contrasting styles that suit the Lions structure. Swan IC will have playmakers Scott Campbell and Miki Vujacic in their ranks along with young David Perich and Brendan Knox who have impressed in 2006. The addition of Anthony McStea helps the black and whites, as does the return of injury to hard working Rory Mouttet.
Swan will be looking to Catalano and Foster to provide the avenue to goal as they have done all year and provide one of the hardest working strike forces in the premier league. Stirling will be hoping Phil Arnold is firing after recent trials in Europe to replace the golden boot winner David Dugdale who is cup tied as well as the traveling Ryan Jeans. The Lions backline of Henderson, Ilmanoski, Pavlos and Stefoski is as experienced as they come in the state and forms a solid nucleus for which Stirling build their team around.
This will be an exciting encounter with plenty of end-to-end football. The team that settles the earliest and finds its feet on the big ground will have the advantage. Both teams possess good squads to pick from and decisions made by the respective coaches will also have a huge impact on the outcome. Mick Lyons is no stranger to football at the highest level and big game situations and has shown his credentials when required this year in turning around a Lions outfit into a top 2 team. Carlo Scali should be congratulated for taking his young charges to a final in his first season as head coach and knows what is required to win finals playing in both Swans recent cup final wins.
The form, squad, and coaching staff all point to an easy Stirling win and a return to success at the highest level. Swan have shown glimpses of form throughout the year and threatened to advance in the league but never really produced when it mattered. Stirling should win 3-1.
The biggest game on the local football calendar - the association Cup Final - takes place this weekend to officially bring to a close the on-field activities for 2006. Stirling Lions have been installed as favourite to lift the seasons’ final piece of silverware, however, first they must first find a way past a Swan IC side that is equally as keen to add to their trophy cabinet. Both clubs worked hard in negotiating their way through to the Final and who goes that one step further will be decided tomorrow at Members Equity Stadium.
A 4-0 home defeat of Bayswater City got Stirling's campaign off to a flying start. Andy Brown bagged a double with Leo Harman and Jake Harman also on the score sheet. In Round Two they caned Rockingham City 10-1 with Ryan Jeans, Ludovic Boi and Rob Miller scoring three each while Jordan Rhodes contributed the remainder. They were finally tested the following month when Floreat Athena took a first half lead only to be sunk 2-1 by a couple of rapid fire second half strikes from Andy Brown and Boi.
Stirling snatched a dramatic late winner to topple Cockburn 3-2 and book their spot in the Cup final. The only goal of the opening half arrived just before the break when Domenic De Felice put Cockburn ahead. Stirling's fightback began in the 76th minute as Stefoski's free-kick found the top corner. Rhodes put them ahead from the penalty spot following the dismissal of Paul Oliver, but shortly after De Felice equalised. The decider came four minutes into stoppage time when Jeans nodded in at a corner.
Swan's Cup campaign opened at Wotton Reserve and a hard fought 3-0 win over Morley Windmills. David Foster scored twice and Miki Vujacic once to lead the Black and Whites to victory. Round Two had Swan head south to Mandurah City where goals from Rory Mouttet, Tom Shepheard and Damien Catalano got them home 3-1. Home ground advantage counted little for E.C.U. Joondalup who were eliminated from the knock-out competition 4-2 by Swan for whom Catalano, Foster, Shepheard and Scott Campbell found the net.
A superb semi-final performance saw Swan topple Perth S.C. 3-2. The opening goal arrived just before the hour via a Vujacic free-kick into the top corner. A few minutes later Foster netted at close-range to increase the difference, but Perth hit back immediately as a Peter Lord cross was deflected in by Rob Monterosso. In the 63rd minute Foster's cross found the net via defender Trent Kay to put Swan back in command. Perth refused to concede defeat and bagged a late consolation goal through Barry Wood.
Damien Catalano in action in the First Round Cup clash at Morley Windmills
Night Series
24th February 2006
Litis Stadium
| Stirling Lions 2 | Swan IC 1 |
| Scali (3, own goal) | Vujacic (80) |
| Arnold (43) |
Stirling Lions booked themselves a place in the last four of the Night Series for the first time in ten years courtesy of a 2-1 win over Swan I.C. The game could not have started much worse for the black and whites that were a goal behind after just 3 minutes when Damian Scali turned the ball past his own goalkeeper when attempting to clear an in-swinging corner from Steve Porter. From there Stirling didn't looked back and some fine lead up work on the left from Phil Arnold put the ball at the feet of Ryan Jeans whose shot kept out by Louis Lopresti at full stretch. Stirling were in control and a cross from Porter fell nicely for Arnold but his shot was palmed away by Lopresti, and Ludovic Boi sent the follow-up just wide of the post. With Damien Catalano and Miki Vujacic slowly stemming the tide Swan began to see more of the ball but still were unable to really test Phil Straker. Just before half-time the margin became two goals as Arnold pounced on a defensive error by Jonathon Mathers which he then shot low past replacement 'keeper Daniel Agudelo. The game continued in much the same vein in the second half with Jeans shooting wide following another defensive lapse, and minute’s later Arnold hit the side netting following another mistake from the Swan backline. Swan slowly settled and was denied a penalty by referee Joe Fusari when David Foster was bundled over inside the box. With ten minutes left the black and whites pegged a goal back when Catalano's cross was helped on by Foster and Vujacic netted from close in. And while a stunning shot from the edge of the area by Vujacic was narrowly wide it was a case of too little too late for Swan who will surely now bow out of the tournament at the group stage.
Swan IC : Louie Lopresti (Daniel Agudelo 36), Brendan Knox, Paul Baczynski, Jonathon Mathers, Dom Ando, Miki Vujacic, Justin Hugo (David Perich 57), Damian Scali, Damien Catalano, David Foster, Rory Mouttet
Unused subs : Jovo Pavlovic, David Paone
Stirling Lions : Phil Straker, Michael Pugliese (McMurdo 91), Darko Ilmanoski, Kevin Henderson, Ludovic Boi (Tom Straker 85), Ryan Jeans (Jake Harman 73), Riste Stefoski, Phil Arnold, Jamie Mitsopoulos, Steve Porter, Leo Harman
Unused subs : Tristan Scott, Peter Koidis
Referee : Joe Fusari
Premier League Round Two
15th April 2006
Macedonia Park
| Stirling Lions 2 | Swan IC 2 |
| Brown (25) | Mouttet (37) |
| J. Harman (80) | Scali (88) |
Swan I.C. played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Stirling Lions in front of a big crowd at Macedonia Park. The hosts could have gone ahead inside the 1st minute but Andy Brown’s header sailed over the crossbar from a Steve Porter corner. Much of the early running came from Stirling but between them and the opening goal stood the imposing frame of an in-form Cory Hugo. The breakthrough finally arrived after 25 minutes of pressure when Jordan Rhodes’ cross wasn’t properly dealt with by the defence and Brown arrowed his shot past Hugo from the edge of the 18-yard box. Swan countered as Damien Scali went one-on-one with Tom Straker who held his nerve and deflected the ball over the line. The resulting corner was played deep by Miki Vujacic to David Foster who lobbed the ball back into the 6-yard box where Rory Mouttet headed home the equaliser after 37 minutes. Swan was unlucky not to gain the upper hand after the break through Vujacic whose free-kick from distance ricocheted off the post to safety. With ten minutes to go substitute Jake Harman expertly controlled Riste Stefoski’s cross, turned his marker and rifled into the bottom corner from 12-metres. A great opportunity to seal the three points came about through Ludovic Boi who sent Jake Harman past the defence but his goalbound strike was brilliantly saved by Hugo. The closing stages produced chances at both ends as Hugo twice more denied Stirling a third goal while a shot from close-range by Scali was amazingly cleared off the line by a defender. With little under two minutes remaining Scali got himself on the end of a Tom Shepheard cross and nodded past Straker to send the travelling fans into raptures. Special mention must also be made of Angelo Nardi for his superb control of the game.
Stirling Lions : Phil Straker, Michael Pugliese, Darko Ilmanoski, Kevin Henderson, Riste Stefoski, Rob Miller, Jordan Rhodes (Peter Dunn 88), Andy Brown, Leo Harman (Ludovic Boi 68), Ryan Jeans (Jake Harman 68), Steve Porter
Unused subs : Mark Bentley
Swan IC : Cory Hugo, Trevor Hatton, Paul Baczynski, Jonathon Mathers (Bennett 30), Jovo Pavlovic, Miki Vujacic (Perich 83), Rory Mouttet, Brendan Knox, Damian Scali, Thomas Shepheard, David Foster
Unused subs : Daniel Agudelo, Scott Campbell
Referee : Angelo Nardi
Premier League Round Fourteen
22nd July 2006
Francis Street
| Swan IC 1 | Stirling Lions 2 |
| Vujacic (13) | Dugdale (35, 40) |
Stirling Lions headed home with all three points after a hard fought 2-1 defeat of Swan I.C. at the Swan Italian Club. Both teams made a bright start with Brendan Knox heading wide at a free-kick, and not long after at the opposite end Rob Miller had the ball in the net only for it to be disallowed for Andy Brown's foul on Cory Hugo. Miki Vujacic set the wheels in motion for the games opening goal on 13 minutes with a superb diagonal pass which allowed Knox and David Foster to combine and set up Damien Catalano who made the most of hesitant defending by stroking his shot low past Phil Straker. A lack of quality passing in the final third limited Stirling's potency and their best chance came from Rob Miller's strike from distance that stretched Hugo. Stirling were piling on the pressure and in the 35th minute that paid off as Andy Brown turned the ball over in midfield and sent David Dugdale clear to finish low past the 'keeper. Five minutes later the visitors had the lead as Ludovic Boi's cross picked out Dugdale who clinically knocked it past Hugo with the Swan defence napping. An amazing double save by the Swan 'keeper just before the break denied Stirling a third goal, Hugo blocking the initial shot from Boi then instinctively keeping out Brown's follow-up. Swans began the second half at full pace but unable to create a lot in the way of genuine goalscoring chances. However, on 74 minutes they were handed a lifeline when Tom Shepheard went down inside the box, but Straker would emerge the hero by saving Catalano's spot kick. A Stirling counter attack saw Jordan Rhodes play in Dugdale but Hugo was out quick to save at his feet. Knox and Foster had late chances to snatch a point for the hosts but both sent their efforts narrowly wide of the upright.
Swan IC : Cory Hugo, Robert Monterosso (Mouttet 90), Paul Baczynski (Hatton 41), Jonathon Mathers, Tony Cumace, Miki Vujacic (Shepheard 60), Brendan Knox, David Perich, Damien Catalano, David Foster
Unused subs : Daniel Agudelo
Stirling Lions : Phil Straker, Michael Pugliese, Darko Ilmanoski, Kevin Henderson, Ludovic Boi, Rob Miller, Jordan Rhodes, Andy Brown (Ryan Jeans 88), Keith Brown, Steven Heskith, David Dugdale
Unused subs : Tony Alexovski, Riste Stefoski, Peter Koidis, Peter Dunn
Referee : Paul Anderson
Brett |
Jacob |
Peter |
Jack |
| Swan IC 2 Stirling Lions 2 (Stirling on penalties) |
Swan IC 1 Stirling Lions 2 |
Swan IC 3 Stirling Lions 1 |
Swan IC 1 Stirling Lions 3 |
Andy Brown leaves Jovo Pavlovic in his wake during the Round Nineteen win at Bayswater City.
