North Geelong Warriors Soccer Club (the regions most successful club), are experiencing an exciting era with recent success at Junior and Senior levels. The juniors are currently welcoming registrations from current and new junior players for the 2010 season and are fielding teams in the following age groups:

Under 6/7

Under 8/9

Under 10/11

Under 12 FFV Melbourne and Geelong   

Under 13 FFV Melbourne and Geelong

Under 16 FFV Melbourne and Geelong

At the recent Under 21 trials for North Geelong over 40 young men were involved in pre season selection trials where players from Wodonga, Ballarat and Mt Gambier as well as our local Geelong Region talents provided selectors as tough choice. 25 young men were selected as the train on squad to have a pre season with the Warriors who are fielding an Under 21 side in the upcoming 2010 State League Div 1 Season. Under 21s coaches Ante Skoko and Ante Sarcevic now have the tough choice to make to bring the list down to a manageable level, however the lads involved can all be proud of themselves as their approach to the sessions has been fantastic.

Seniors coaches Vinko Buljubasic and John Hrkac are testing out some options also, with players from Premier League and last season’s Div 1 clubs coming to trial with North Geelong for a spot in what promises to be a very tight competition. Looking at the teams involved there isn’t one club you could say are definite favourites. The majority of 2009’s squad remains at North Geelong with the only notable exclusion being Grgo Saric. If the pre season goes well without injury or loss of players then North Geelong will be looking at a very solid year and you never know if the performances are like last year, with a bit of luck Premier league may not be that far away. In the meantime we look forward to the challenges the Go For Your Life Cup will present, commencing on the 6^th of Feb at Corio’s home ground Hume Reserve, with the first hitout against Geelong .

Author: Joel Cresswell          Courtesy:   http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au

SOCCEROO defender Matthew Spiranovic's two sisters have shown that soccer talent runs deep in the family following a series of storming displays in the Victorian Womens Premier League.

Amelia, 19, and Laura, 18, Spiranovic helped their South Melbourne club come agonisingly close to championship glory this season, only to fall cruelly short.

Defying expectations following a relegation-threatened previous year, South Melbourne finished third on the ladder and was just one game away from the grand final before crashing 4-2 to Heidelberg United in the preliminary finals.

The Spiranovic sisters, who live in Highton, were a driving force behind South Melbourne's season, with Amelia, the club captain, picking up the coach's award at the end of the year.

Laura fared even better, named MVP and player's player by her club and coming second in the competition's best and fairest vote and second in the goalscoring charts.

"The defeat against Heidelberg was very disappointing, they started very strongly and it took us a while to wake up," admitted Amelia.

"But it was a good season because we stepped up from last year. Laura did very well. She had set goals for herself and she strived to meet them. She's very ambitious and she's got a lot of drive."

Laura and Amelia have played soccer together since they were 11 and 12 years-old, respectively.

The sisters, encouraged by a soccer-loving father, played at North Geelong Warriors, the club where Matthew started his career before his move to Europe with professional German club Nuremberg.

"Matthew has had an amazing influence over us," said Amelia.

"He's had such determination to make it and he's made big sacrifices.

"He's taken extra training sessions and obviously he's moved overseas without family and friends.

"We come from a big soccer family. Dad always played and Matthew has played soccer since he was six or seven years-old.

"He does his best to watch us play whenever he's back here. He's a defender like me, so he's always got tips for me."

Amelia admitted that she didn't enjoy seeing the Geelong representative women's team struggle badly in the Premier League this year.

The GRFA team finished bottom of the ladder and was relegated having lost 15 of its 16 games.

The team was hampered by a severe lack of players and appealed to locally-based stars such as the Spiranovic sisters, who previously played for the side, without success.

"They wanted Laura and me for this season but we didn't feel we were done with South Melbourne and needed another season there," she said.

"There just wasn't enough depth in the Geelong team. I would've liked them to do well and I was sad to see them struggle."

North Geelong Soccer Club will be playing in State League Division 1 in 2010 and as a result we are required to field an Under 21 squad in place of a Reserves team.

This is a great opportunity for players to play at State League level and experience the commitment required to compete at this level.  North Geelong Soccer Club has a long history in promoting it’s youth and creating opportunities for it’s players to go further and develop to their potential, just one look at the names around our club walls will tell you how much the game means to us. Just recently, Matthew Demo one of our young talents was signed by Melbourne Victory you could be next.

The North Geelong Warriors are inviting all young men between 15 and 20 years of age interested in playing Division 1 State League Under 21s to come to three trial dates on the 25th November, 2nd December and 9th December.  All sessions to commence at 6.30pm at the North Geelong Soccer Club, Gibbons Rd, Lara.  Under the watchful eyes of the coaches.

 Throughout the year we will also have European skills coaches holding skills camps at our club, these coaches developed talents such as Eduardo (Arsenal) Luka Modric, Vedran Corluka and Niko Kranjcar (all at Tottenham).  More details of this and other news will be updated on our website www.northgeelongsc.com.au

If you require any more information regarding the trials please contact the Football Operations Manager, Ivan Perse on 0409 967 010 after hours or email operations@northgeelongsc.com.au

Author: Jason Shields   Courtesy:  Geelong Advertiser

MATTHEW Demo is edging closer to Melboune Victory's first team after being invited to train with the seniors three times since his move to the A-League club.

The 18-year-old North Geelong striker, who is on a one-year contract with Victory's youth squad, took part in a training session with first team stars including Archie Thompson and Adrian Leijer at Melbournes Olympic Park yesterday morning.

Demo has made a solid start in the National Youth League, scoring on his debut against Adelaide United in September.

He has started five games in total and contributed several assists, but has yet to trouble the goal scorers since his opening-day strike.

"I'm pleased with how it's going so far, although I wouldn't mind a few more goals," Demo said.

"I'm really happy at Victory, there have been no problems settling in. The whole team is very down to earth.

"All the players are sharp and quick here, it's a lot faster than division two (where North Geelong played last season). I think my touch has improved and I'm more confident with the ball. The coaches are always telling us that we have to improve."

Demo has set himself a target of 12 goals for the season and will take heart from Victory's strong reputation for nurturing young players.

Mate Dugandzic was plucked from the National Youth League this season and has taken the A-League by storm, scoring twice in just his second appearance.

Victory's youth team coach Mehmet Durakovic said that Demo had performed well since joining the club.

"He's a very good prospect, but there's still a long way to go," Durakovic said. "As a footballer it's hard moving from training part-time to full-time, everything is new to him.

"He's still raw, but he's big and strong and we are working on everything, including his fitness, touch and his finishing.

"I'm very happy with his attitude he has to come up from Geelong every day after school and he hasn't been late once. The youth team is about development as much as it is about goals.

"We want to develop him as a player as much as we can. The finishing and the goals will come in time for him."

Well the action on the park has come to an end and after an exciting season our teams are enjoying some downtime.

In the meantime we are planning some exciting events for you all to enjoy.

20th November 2009: - Entertainment Night

Coming up on the 20th of November we will be hosting an Entertainment Night, including Poker, Bocce (outdoor if weather permits otherwise indoor) Darts and other games. More details to follow so keep you eyes and ears peeled for it.

26th December 2009: - Boxing Day - KISSTROYER

The North Geelong Soccer Club presents KISSTROYER!! Australia’s best KISS tribute band is going to ROCK AND ROLL all night with us on Boxing Day night 26th December. Tickets are $20 for members and players and $25 for non members. Tickets are limited so get them while you can. Call 0417 279 4082 or Email rberginc@hotmail.com to get your tickets. Starts at 9pm, DJ in Support of the main act and ID required.

New Years Eve 2009:

Dec 31st the last day of the year, let’s celebrate in style at the Australian Croatian Association - Separation St Bell Park. 2009 was a great year for many reasons and we can reminisce over all the news, views and reviews. Doors open at 7pm, Bistro will be open for Dinner and the drawing of the New Years Raffle which includes terrific prizes such as a Digital Camera, TV, Homewares, Gift Vouchers, Cellarbrations Pack and the GRAND PRIZE…. a trip to Croatia. Well known band MAGLA will be entertaining us throughout the night so grab your family and friends and join us for a memorable night. Tickets are $25 and $15 for Concession. For Bookings call - 5278 2596.

6th January 2010: - ANGELS

ANGELS are flying in for a rocking night at the Australian Croatian Association - Separation St Bell Park on January 6th. The all girl band from Croatia are on a whirlwind Christmas tour and want to rock the night away with Geelong. For tickets please call the Australian Croatian Association on 5278 2596.

Sunday Lunches Announcment:

Unfortunately the Sunday lunches are on hold until further notice. We are trying to secure some assistance with the catering and we require able people who would like to cater for up to 150 people to get in touch with the Soccer Club. Menus are negotiable.

Committee News:  

The AGM was held on October 11th and there are a few changes but predominately the team stays the same.

Josip Zilic was re-elected as President unopposed for another year, he thanked everyone who helped out and contributed throughout the year.

Unfortuantley Tom Trupkovic and Ante Didulica have stood down from the committee and we thank them for the effort and contribution throught the season. Joiniing the Committee are Vlado Roksa and Daniel Desa who will take up the secretary's role, also we are extremely delighted to have join us Allana Saric and Marijana Banovac who will get involved in youth driven functions and projects such as the annual Boxing Day disco.

The entire committe for 2010 is Josip Zilic, Peter Mitrov, Adrian Desa, Vlado Roksa, Daniel Desa, Ivan Perse, Robert Spehar, Robert Berginc, Dylan Mitrov, Tom Pausak, Allana Saric and Marijana Banovac. 

Many thanks to the 2009 committee who as well as the team on the park performed an extrordinary job and deserve much praise for their efforts.

We have many challenges ahead of us and as always we are looking for people who can get invovled for a few hours a month with functions, maintenance as well as match days. Please contact us on 0424 145 552 or email secretary@northgeelongsc.com.au

Stay tuned for more updates and if you have any ideas of parties, celebration or entertainment which you'd like to see or be a part just drop me a line at president@northgeelongsc.com.au

Take Care and Go Warriors!!!!

A fantastic night to cap off a brilliant season.

Over 200 people came along to celebrate a very successful year for the North Geelong Warriors

A fitting occasion for the Seniors and Under 15 teams who took out their respective competitions. The night was in the hands of club legend John Didulica who did a great job in the MC role. Club president Joe Zilic thanked everyone for their tremendous effort and support from sponsors to volunteers, committee, families and of course the players and coaches.

In a tight contest between 3 players, the Steve Vuckovic best and fairest award went to the club veteran Adrian Cervinski who belied his years to play in a midfield role and produce some of the best football we’ve seen, his performances have been so consistent that he also took out the Rob Cosic - Player’s Player of the year also, as voted by his peers. Closely followed by Grgo Saric and Daniel Zilic. All three made comment of how they enjoyed playing with this group of players, some who have only just begun their careers.

The golden boot went to young up and coming talent Matthew Demo who also scored on debut for Melbourne Victory against Adelaide United on Friday night.

In a fitting result, crowd favourite Robert Zadworny in his first season at North Geelong took out the fan's favourite award. The Award has been resurrected to acknowldge the supporters belief onwho they beleive deserves the award based on team spirit and endedavour towards success. Zadowrny acknowledges the crowd on every goal he scored this year, this as well as his hard working efforts has endered him to the North Geelong faithful for what we hope is many years to come. Well Done Robbie.

The team made a huge statement on their commitment to the club by producing the highest bid for a framed signed player’s top. Roger Savi the clubs specialist goalkeeper coach, took a top after the last home game and got everyone to sign it. Unbeknown to the club he went and got it framed and donated it back to the club to use as an auction item as a fundraiser. Well it was a fantastic result with team mates showing unity to outbid everyone at $2400. The players commented later saying that the club means a lot to them and they wanted the memorabilia to stay at the club as a sign of how they enjoyed being a part of it’s history.

The Under 15s captain Seth Harvey summed it up beautifully by thanking parents who travel far and wide to get their kids to the games and to training.

This fits in perfectly with what the North Geelong Warriors are creating at Elcho Park. They want their youth product to be the best going around and to give Geelong region’s children every opportunity to play in the best possible league for the region. We don’t necessarily want the most players playing for us, we want to be known for producing or displaying the best players in the region.

In 2010 will see North Geelong field an Under 16 Superleague and Under 21 Division 1 State League side. This is the perfect opportunity for the youth of the greater Geelong region to get a foot in the door at a club who can showcase the their talent. Parents who previously went to Melb to give their kids a chance at playing in higher leagues don’t need to do that anymore.

We invite all children to come along and join in the game, for those between the ages of 15 and 21 who want to play a higher level can come along in November and December (dates to be released shortly) for some familiarisation trials, a chance to see if you like what we have to offer. The youth and their parents can come along and see our club, meet the committee, coaches and other players before they break for Christmas and resume for the intensive pre-season campaign in early Jan.

The club is also looking for players to field in it’s women’s team as well as a Women’s coach, those who are interested are encouraged to contact the club on 0424 145 552.

Listed below are the award winners for each team.

SENIORS

Best and Fairest - Adrian Cervinski

R/U Best and Fairest - Grgo Saric

Coach’s Award - Daniel Zilic

Top Goal Scorer - Matthew Demo

Player’s Player - Adrian Cervinski

RESERVES

Best and Fairest - David Vodopic

R/U Best and Fairest - Michael Radojevic

Coach’s Award - Danijel Roksa

Top Goal Scorer - Daniel Stocki

WOMENS

Best and Fairest - Nicole Milinkovic

R/U Best and Fairest - Jess Milinkovic

Coach’s Award - Adrianna Demo

Top Goal Scorer - Annie Crawford

UNDER 15A

Best and Fairest - Rory Kelly

R/U Best and Fairest - Ivan Balta

Coach’s Award - Michael Patti

Top Goal Scorer - Luka Sesar and Michael Patti

Courtesy:  Geelong Advertiser 

Buljubasic, who has described himself as a very ambitious coach, has agreed in principle to stay at Warriors following the club's promotion to State League 1.

His future at the State League 2 champions appeared in doubt when he refused to publicly commit to the club last month.

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However, the team's elevation to State League 1 appears to have convinced Buljubasic that he can fulfil his ambitions at Warriors.

"There are a few bits and pieces to sort out, but we will be seeing him here in 2010," said Warriors president Joe Zilic.

"It was never really an issue for us. We were communicating throughout the year, but Vinko wanted to concentrate on one job at a time with the team.

"I think the love affair between Vinko and the club is growing daily.

"The fans have a growing admiration for the type of football we played this season and the amount of goals we scored.

"Now Vinkos had a taste of success, we will see his vision of what's to come for the team."

Buljubasic has stated that he wants a new defender, midfielder and striker to bolster his squad for the rigors of State League 1.

Zilic said the clubs AGM in October will decide the budget for next season, but said that resources shouldn't be a problem.

Finding a potential replacement for Melbourne Victory-bound Matthew Demo has been identified as a priority.

"The budget will be pretty much the same as last year," he said.

"The squad does need strengthening, but we don't want to promise our members that we will be title contenders in our first year.

"We may have to get in a new striker.

"We've got to look at Matthew Demo's situation as he might play a blinder at Victory and we might not see him in a North Geelong jumper again."

"Our resources in midfield are rich, but we will need to look for a replacement due to (Grgo) Saric's retirement."