Image: Port Melbourne
Port Melbourne’s 2017 NPL Victoria preparations are underway with two signings and four re-signings.
Takanori Nishimoto joins from Bulleen Lions, Michael McGowan joins from Queensland, while a quartet consisting of Alan Kearney, Bonel Obradovic, Tyler James and James Karvelis have all re-signed.
Former Heidelberg United man Nishimoto scored four goals in 18 games at Bulleen Lions and links up again with Dom Barba, with whom he enjoyed promotion in 2015 before top flight consolidation in 2016.
Michael McGowan signs from NPL Queensland champions Redlands United where he captained the side to a stunning FFA Cup Round of 32 upset over A-League champions Adelaide United.
The defender has Scottish heritage, having featured for the likes of East Stirling, Annan and Albion before making the journey to Australia.
Having represented Northcote City, Oakleigh Cannons and South Melbourne in recent seasons, Obradovic swapped to Port Melbourne in 2016, making 22 appearances.
The former Young Socceroo enjoyed VPL championship glory at Northcote in 2013.
Former Everton youth Kearney switched to Port Melbourne in 2015 after previous stints with the Southern Stars, South Melbourne and Dandenong Thunder – the latter which he captained.
The Irishman also made 22 appearances in 2016 for the Sharks.
James signed in mid-2016 from Green Gully after earlier featuring for Melbourne City’s youth side.
The young defender featured 11 times for Port after two games for Gully in 2016.
Karvelis made the step up to the top flight last year from Kingston City,
Handed his senior playing debut by Arthur Papas in 2011 at the Oakleigh Cannons, the youngster followed his coach to Melbourne Heart, where he turned out for their youth squad for the 2011-12 season before also being amongst the Melbourne Victory set-up in 2013, earning NYL honours.
His promising form led to interest from then English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers,. He returned to the field with South Melbourne in 2012 where he totalled five games over his two seasons for the club. He played 16 games in 2016 for Port.