Here's another instalment of 'On The Bench,' as we get to know the coaches who will be leading their teams out into Season 2022.
Next is the turn of MetroStars coach, Robbie Saraceno.
Why did you become a coach?
Having finished playing at early age and not being sure that coaching was a passion of mine, Adrian Santrac gave me an opportunity to spend some time helping him out as an assistant. From there I went down the coach education pathway and found it something that I really enjoyed.
Who is your coaching idol; and why?
There are so many great coaches around the world but looking at what Ange Postecoglou has been able to do wherever he has coached is fantastic.
Being a coach that likes high intensity football, Jurgen Klopp is a coach which i love watching the way his teams play.
Having also been coached by Joe Mullen locally and seeing the type of football his teams play, I think he would have to be someone I do look up to!
What has been your biggest achievement(s) as a coach?
I think being in charge in my first year and gaining promotion to the top tier with White City (FK Beograd) was special as i spent my years also playing there.
Winning 2 Federation Cups and being able to participate in the FFA Cup twice was also up there.
Best SA team to watch, past or present, that excites you as a coach.
Playing senior football i was lucky enough to watch and play against some great teams. I think what Campbelltown City did between 2018-2020 showed their dominance.
Also watching the Blue eagles teams with player /coach Zoran Karadzic saw really entertaining football.
What excites you most about the 2022 Season?
I think the league has become so even with so many good teams and players to look out for. This year will be challenging with all the possible Covid isolations so it will be interesting to see how we all handle this.
Name a player in your squad under the age of 23 who we should look out for in 2022 and why?
Hamish Gow Finished strong last season for the Sergio Melta Medal and is getting better each year. He is an exciting prospect who i believe could potentially jump to the next level.
Which new transfer are you most excited to be working with and why?
There are a few players we have joined us that I am really looking forward to working with. Having Coached against Paul Blefari and seeing his winning mentality, I'm looking forward to being able to work with him.
And finally....Besides finishing as high in the table as possible, what are your goals for the season ahead?
I think we all aim to be able to bring silverware back to our club. Other goals would be to bring MetroStars back on the National stage again, to compete in the FFA cup.