Photo: Peter Psarros
“I’ve built a lot of my promotion sides based on good, solid defences. I felt that was an area we were really light in last year and needed a bit more experience.”
It’s been the hallmark of Anthony Barbieri’s time at the helm of Avondale FC, with the former Bulleen Lions and Sunshine George Cross midfielder flourishing in his first senior role since progressing from his role as a player/assistant coach at Werribee City in 2010.
His time at the club has seen the recently turned 40-year-old lead his charges up from the lowly ranks of State League Three in 2011 all the way to the top rung of Victorian football. In the process of securing their top-flight status with a triple promotion between 2012-14, they boasted a highly-enviable defensive record, conceding a miserly 59 goals in their 70 league fixtures.
Maintaining that same defensive stability proved a harder task in the NPL, as Barbieri’s side conceded a more modest 84 goals across their first two seasons, with their net breached 42 times in the 2016 season.
“I think if we have had a bit of extra experience at the back last season, we would have been playing finals. That’s gone, so we analysed the squad and strengthened the areas that we needed to – I’m happy with the boys and how they’re going.”
This led the club to secure the signings of high-profile Hume City pair Chris Oldfield and Ramazan Tavcansioglu, a move which has paid wonders so far in 2017. They have been standouts players in the standout side of the competition in February, with Avondale securing the full complement of points on offer whilst also keeping three clean sheets to start the season.
While the plaudits must fall with the players that have helped the Avengers shoot up the NPL ladder, Barbieri must also be credited for his role in overseeing the progress made by his side throughout the first month of the competition. The NPL Manager of the Month for February spoke to TCF in the aftermath of Avondale’s 1-1 draw with Oakleigh Cannons.
The first dropped points of the season, but I imagine you wouldn’t be too disheartened by that display?
“[Oakleigh] made the Grand Final last year and with us playing away, it was always going to be a tough fixture for us. They haven’t won any games either so they were definitely up for it. I thought it was a hard-fought contest right through, fairly even. We maybe slightly shaded it with a number of clear-cut chances but taking a point from Oakleigh here, I’ll take it.”
In the off-season, you brought in a lot of new names. How is the team gelling and do you think they’re only going to get better and hit their peak?
“There’s definitely room for improvement and I said that last week even though we beat South Melbourne. I don’t think it was our best display but we won the game. Even today, there are areas that we can improve on, especially with the boys still getting to know each other. It’s going to take some time but I’m pleased with the attitude, the work rate and commitment so hopefully it will come together.”
In the attack, you haven’t scored that many goals this year but with the individual talent that you do possess, do you believe the goals will come?
“In the attacking third, we’re yet to hit our straps – It’s an area that we’re going to continue to work on. We had Kamal [Ibrahim] who came off the bench and Jonatan [Germano] who played his first game today. Craig Carley probably hasn’t hit his straps just yet just learning to work with Kaine Sheppard. I think the best is yet to come from those guys.”
You’ve taken points from two of last year’s top-six already this season. How much of an effort has that been from your side and was that something you set out to achieve this season?
“If you want to play at the top end of the table, these are the sort of games that you need to get points from, it’s non-negotiable. If you want to play finals football this year, these are the games we need to be competitive and get points from in tough fixtures. I think the league this year is more competitive than ever, which you can see from some of the results where any team can beat anyone on their given day, it’s just a matter of showing up. You can see some surprise results, but I don’t think they’re surprises as every fixture is going to be a real battle.”
Zoran Markovski has come into the coaching staff this year. He’s had a lot of experience at Hume City and especially having worked with a few of your new signings, how have you found working along side him?
“I’ve known him for a number of years, we’ve played together. Zoran’s experience is fantastic – he creates a good culture and is a very down to earth guy with some good banter in the changing room. He’s played at the highest level so he brings that experience and ruthlessness which I think we needed. He’s fit in seamlessly.”
In further news, Springvale White Eagles’ Vlado Tortevski has been awarded the NPL2 Manager of the Month for overseeing a remarkable charge to the top of the NPL2 East ladder at the conclusion of February’s fixtures.
The White Eagles were one of two sides to remain unbeaten in the East conference for the month – alongside Box Hill who notched up four consecutive draws – and traversed a number of difficult fixtures, including wins against both Dandenong clubs. It’s been a smooth introduction to life at White Eagles Stadium off the back of a two-year stint in charge of Altona Magic, whom he led to a State League One title in 2016 as well as VPL titles in 2008 and 2009.