The State League One season is upon us, with an exciting weekend of fixtures kicking off this Saturday. We take a look at each club in their ambitions for promotion to the RAA National Premier League.
Adelaide Blue Eagles
Last season: 12th (RAA National Premier League)
Coach: Andrej Rastovac
Captain: TBC
After a year to forget, Adelaide Blue Eagles looks to rebuild their form and confidence after a season which saw them win only three games in their relegation from the RAA NPLSA. With Andrej Rastovac at the helm, his biggest mission is to re-establish the fallen giants after the club lost 12 first team players after their relegation. The departure of 2021 Sergio Melta Medal winner Hamish McCabe to State League One rivals Modbury Jets will damper their ambitions of gaining promotion in 2022.
Adelaide Blue Eagles were busy in the offseason as they prepared for life without their squad from 2021, as they look to sign a mixture of experience and youth to assist this season. The club’s signings of the veteran defender Matt Canny from Adelaide Cobras will fill the hole left by the departure of Christian D’Angelo. While the signing of 22-year-old Argentinean midfielder Agustin Moreira from Panarkadikos F.C. in Greece, could prove to be one of the signings of the season. FK Beograd 2021 top scorer Kyle Markham arrives to Adelaide Blue Eagles, as the club searches for prolific forward which was missing in 2021. The club was fortunate to retain the services of defender Alex Tsavalas and keeper Nick Harpas who could prove important throughout the season.
After such a big rebuild, Adelaide Blue Eagles will hope their new team will be able to connect quickly as they look to tackle a very strong State League One competition.
Squad: Matthew Canny, Caleb Evans, Frank Fontanarosa, Richard Goss, Nikolas Harpas, Sheku Hutton-Addy, Beau Ierci, Dante Isla Cacciavillani, Alemayo Kebede, Jozef Kogoj, Kyle Markham, Pierce Mason-Stephens, Chante Mayol, Agustin Moreira, Brylon Nthoane, Nick Polli, Marco Talladira, Adam Tredrea Alexander Tsavalas, Hayden Walter, David Signore, Matthew Jones, William Smithson-Tomas
Adelaide Croatia Raiders
Last season: 11th (RAA National Premier League)
Coach: Phil Stubbins
Captain: TBC
After the heartbreak of another relegation, Adelaide Croatia Raiders will look to bounce back in dramatic fashion as they aim for State League One glory and get promoted back to the RAA National Premier League in 2023.
New coach Phil Stubbins arrives to the club with a plethora of experience under his belt, most recently with Campbelltown City. The former A-League manager arrives with the ambition of rebuilding the club to their former glories. Despite the loss of Dion Kirk, Matt Mullen, Nathan Munro and Jackson Walls, the club is pleased to keep a hold of their Best & Fairest player Omari Didero, the always reliable Harley Gepp and star defenders Jaxson Bullen and Mark Ulaj.
The signings of Markus Orchard from RAA NPLSA Champions Adelaide City and Manley Barnett from Adelaide Comets will prove to be vital for their promotion push as the defenders bringing a new look to the Adelaide Croatia Raiders backline. The signing of former player Jimmy Odenwalder from Magpie Crusaders United will be fundamental in the team’s promotion aspiration as he returns from a season scoring 7 goals in 21 appearances. While the double signing of English players Luke Salas and Grant Tait looks a smart move by Stubbins.
Adelaide Croatia Raiders will aim big in 2022, with their first major test coming in round one against top six rivals Adelaide Victory as their quest for promotion begins.
Squad: Harley Gepp, Omari Didero, Grant Tait, David Carosi, Luke Salas, Manley Barnett, Mark Ulaj, Kyle Crout, James Odenwalder, Markus Orchard, Kelvin Kamburu, Rhys Thompson, Charlie Mavros, Clement Ebahece Waoci, Jaxson Bullen, Chicco Chikondi Nyirenda, Vincent Barbaro, Marcus Nagel, Julian Vella, Matthew Majetic
Adelaide Hills FC
Last season: 8th
Coach: Gareth Von Duve
Captain: Nathan Elliot
It was a season of many ups and downs for Adelaide Hills in 2021. After avoiding the drop by four points, 2022 will be a major uphill battle for The Hawks as the league continues to get stronger.
After starting the season with four straight losses, Adelaide Hills continued to show promise throughout the mid-season as they picked up multiple wins, including one against State League One Champions FK Beograd with sights of the top six alive. However, a poor end to the season saw Hills lose six of their last ten matches, quickly erasing that hope.
Adelaide Hills will look very similar to the last, with only very few players leaving from the end of season 2022. After maintaining the majority of their 2021 squad with the likes of the always reliable Callum Elms and leading goal scorer Oliver Grant who contributed to ten goals in 17 appearances last season. If Grant can perform at a similar level that was seen last season and better his ten goals, The Hawks will be confident on pushing for that luxury top six finish. Liam Gill joins the club from Modbury Jets, the young playmaker arrives with great potential, with Adelaide Hills hoping they can see Gill perform at a top level.
With their first-round clash against the newly promoted Adelaide University around the corner Gareth Von Duve’s side must aim to start the season much stronger than they did the last and make an early statement.
Squad: Connor Hudson, Nathan Elliott, Nick Walker, Sam Thomas, Callum Hutchins, Callum Elms, Ollie Grant, Daniel Pauli, Thomas Taylor, Jared Daly, Paris Duffield, Scott Harrison, Jakob Loechel, Owen Smith, Mitch Daly, Mitch Keegan, Liam Gill, Josh De Souza, Ayrton Bevins, James Lenzi, Daniel Hosking, Josh Taylor, Alex Kozlow
Adelaide University SC
Last season: 2nd (State League Two) | Champions (Finals Series)
Coach: Stev Gelekis
Captain: TBC
New coach Stev Gelekis faces a real challenge this season as he takes control of Adelaide University in their first season in State League One. Adelaide University enter the league fresh off an impressive season under former coach Michael Matricciani where they dominated almost all competition in State League Two. During 2021, University lost only three matches, conceding 18 goals, and winning 16 games in 22 appearances which saw them finish second. To gain promotion Adelaide University had to go the full distance in the Finals Series as winning the Grand Final was the last opportunity. After a strong Finals Series performance which saw the club knock off League Premiers Port Adelaide, it ultimately climaxed with Grand Final penalty win over Vipers FC.
Gelekis will be pleased with the squad he had inherited making his main priority retaining his already talented squad, unfortunately losing key players Nick Menechella and leading goal scorer Sam Bowman along the way. After retaining the services of Player of the Year Nathan Niutta and Grand Final hero Fabio Migliaccio will provide real confidences to the squad heading into the season. University have signed exciting duo Christ Akakpo and Headman Dadzie after a successful African Nations Cup campaign which saw their side win the tournament. Gelekis has also added midfielder Jack Bladen from Adelaide Comets and Salisbury United Player of the Year Dermott Harrington as he continues to add great depth and quality to his squad. Matthew DiMatteo also arrives fresh off a season with Gawler Eagles, where he continued to demonstrate his ability of performing at a top level.
After a successful 2021 season, Adelaide University will hope to continue riding their current highs as they aim for an impressive top six finish. With their first match coming against Adelaide Hills this weekend, many eyes will be on newly promoted team.
Squad: Kirill Gretchko, Ousmanou Mohamadou, Kokou Dadzie, Abdullah Hiern, Nathan Niutta, Jack Bladen, Fabio Migliaccio, Jayden Spruyt, Christ Akakpo, John Corbo, Alessio Frisina, Athan Karkafiris, Connor Ramos, Alexander Jacob, Dermott Harrington, Matthew DiMatteo, Harley Giles-Stubna, Brad McGowan, Raffaele Frisina, Isaac Benouzekri, Kristian Zefi, Jordan Garcia, Owen Whitehouse, Jordan Stefanopoulos, Alessio Rapetti, Jordan Merlino, Dimos Karagiannis, Nathaniel Doyle, Zak Tallura
Adelaide Victory FC
Last season: 6th
Coach: Rick Cerracchio
Captain: TBC
After a successful first season in charge of Adelaide Victory, Rick Cerracchio looks to continue this form in 2022 as he aims for higher glories. Victory was the surprise team in the 2021 State League One season, as the side finished 6th on the table securing a spot in that year’s finals series. The club was unfortunate to be knocked out of the final’s series after a heartbreaking penalty loss against Modbury Jets in round one.
Cerracchio has been busy this offseason as he looks to replace four top performers from season 2021, as Paul Blefari, Michael Birbas, leading goal scorer Yasumas Ueda and the clubs Rising Star award winner Philip Cash all leaving the club. The signings of forward duo Alec Maiolo (Fulham United) and Linus Johnson (Western Strikers) could prove vital as the team tries to replace Ueda’s 12 goals from last season. Christopher Annicchiarco’s arrival from West Adelaide looks to be the perfect replacement after Blefari’s exit. The former Adelaide Blue Eagles captain arrives with years of RAA NPLSA and will look to drive his new side back into the top six for season 2022. Annicchiarco will also be joined by former teammate and West Adelaide Best & Fairest Tyler Bailey, who could be instrumental in Adelaide Victory’s top six aspirations. Cerracchio’s ambition to give young players an opportunity will be in full affect again in season 2022 as the club signs Lucas D’Argenio (Adelaide Blue Eagles), Liam Overall, Theo Doufas (MetroStars), Daniel Frangakis (MetroStars), Awol Dut (South Adelaide) and Ross Hatzi (Adelaide Comets).
2022 is the year that Adelaide Victory must cement their place as a the top six team and fight for promotion. After a positive 2021 campaign, Victory will again look to prove their worth as they look to put it all on the line to earn a spot in this year’s Finals Series.
Squad: Vasilios Tryfopoulos, Ben Toffoli, Kieran Blacket, Osman Fofana, Liam Andijanto, Alex Demasi, Ross Hatzi, Alex Metanomski, Anthony Buccella, Lucas D'Argenio, Andre Machochi, Linus Johnston, Isaac Giurastante, Theo Doufos, Daniel Frangakis, Christopher Annichiarico, Tyler Bailey, Alec Maiolo, Christwish Mutsigwa, Awol Dut, Konner Pehlivanides
Eastern United FC
Last season: 9th
Coach: Gabriel Markaj
Captain: TBC
In season 2021 Eastern United proved all their doubters wrong as they performed the great escape finishing ninth in the league. After starting the season with one win in their first six matches including an 8-0 thumping by Playford City, Eastern United demonstrated their never say die attitude in full force as they produced many top performances as they held league champions FK Beograd and Para Hills Knights to draws while contributing to six wins during the season.
After silencing all their doubters, Eastern United must look to back this up in 2022 as the new season provides many new challengers as the league continues to get stronger. Thanasi Lesi’s arrival is a major statement by coach Gabriel Markaj as the former Adelaide Croatia Raiders player arrives off an impressive season in the RAA NPLSA. Eastern United will hope that new arrivals William Nuttall and Godfrey Okello from Victoria, and David Booth from New South Wales can prove to be top signings. While former Central Coast Mariners Youth Academy player Tawab Taufiq’s looks to be an impressive pickup by Eastern United. Although experiencing a shaky preseason, Eastern United current young players Gianni Caretti and David Preka look to be settling into first-team life very well, while Nikolin Matija and Hermann Fombason will continue to be the top performers for their side this season.
With all the pressure on the club in season 2022, Eastern United will once again look to prove everyone wrong, with their first challenge coming against recently relegated Adelaide Blue Eagles.
Squad: Nikolin Matija, David Booth, Hermann Fombason, Richard Sokiri, Godfrey Okello, Stephan Travaglione, Angelo Salomone, Thanasi Lesi, Mulongecha Machochi, William Nuttall, Gianni Caretti, Mutuza Binyangi, Tawab Taufiq, Vasili Carapanayiotis, Raeff Daou, Aleksander Markaj, Fred Sunday, Johnson Freeman, Benjamin Kovadio, John Haile, David Preka, Marcus Ellul, Henry Heany
Fulham United FC
Last season: 7th
Coach: Tony Galanoploulos
Captain: Daniel Voss-Piotto
In a season that could have ended in heartbreak, almost turned into a big success for Fulham United in 2021. After starting the season with two wins and a draw in their first four matches, things started to go pear shaped, as Fulham lost eight of their next nine matches. However, a late resurgence from the club which saw them pick up five wins in their last eight to top off an outstanding end to the season seeing them finish the year in seventh, missing out on a place in the finals by five points.
With the squad performing at a high level at the latter of 2021, coach Tony Galanoploulos must be pleased with the ability he saw from his existing players. No major changes have come for Fulham United since the end of the 2021 season, as the club looks to build on a squad that has the ambitions of a top six spot. After the club finished the season as the fourth lowest scoring team and the loss of leading goal scorer Alec Maiolo to top six rival Adelaide Victory, Fulham United must find a new leading man to help break them into the top six. Fulham will be pleased to see club Best and Fairest and Player’s Player Connor Gollan remain at the club for season 2022, as they prepare for a big and important season. Fulham United will be glad to see new signings of Michael Camacho from 2021 State League One Premiers WT Birkalla and Liam Mullan from Adelaide Hills join the club as they aim to build from the previous season.
With their first-round clash against an impressive Modbury Jets side on the horizon, Fulham United will hope to start the season strong as they look to better their 2021 season.
Squad: Anthony Babb, Marc Cavallin, Marco Mittiga, Josh Neagrean, Joseph Puntereri, Michael Shinnick, Andre Silvi, Daniel Voss-Piotto, Marcus Basso, Elijah Makris, Connor Gollan, Harris Vuckic, Hamish Anderson, Matthew Davies, Chris Wieczorek, Taki Tsialafos, Andre Noujam, Mark Tallidira, Liam Mullan, James Murray, Michael Camacho, Cristian Borghetto, Theo Galanopoulos
Modbury Jets
Last season: 3rd
Coach: Maurice Natale
Captain: Jesse Francesca
Modbury Jet’s wish of gaining promotion back into the RAA NPLSA for season 2022 did not eventuate, however the club still contributed to an impressive showing. After finishing two points behind the league premiership place and their loss in the Semi-Finals against WT Birkalla, you can understand the heartache from the Modbury Jets faithful as their team missed out on promotion on two occasions. Captain Jesse Francesca, Harrison Conant and Donovan Pollock all proved to be top performers in the division with all three players making the top four for the State League One Player of the Year.
After an impressive season which saw the club finish the season with 13 wins, Modbury Jets must look to improve as their quest for automatic promotion back into the RAA NPLSA continues this upcoming season. After the devastation of losing star player and golden boot winner, Donovan Pollock, the arrival of striker Josh Farrell, from Playford City, is certainly a cause worth celebrating. Farrell arrives at Smith Partners Stadium after winning the State League One Golden Boot in 2021 scoring 13 goals. Farrell makes his return to the club after a spending a year at Playford City, with Modbury Jets fans remembering his 2019 season fondly as he scored 16 goals to get the club promoted to the RAA NPLSA. The arrival of the McCabe brothers could be incredibly important in their promotion hopes. The McCabe’s are another of South Australia’s great brother duos with Hamish winning last season Sergio Melta Medal after an outstanding season with a struggling Adelaide Blue Eagles side.
Former club favourites Liam Miller and Cameron O’Doherty also make their return to the club after spending a year away from the club. Miller spent last season with Campbelltown City, while O’Doherty returns after spending time abroad in the United States with Monroe College. Three-time RAA NPLSA champion Matthew Mullen arrives to the club after spending a season at Adelaide Croatia Raiders. Mullen who was an integral part of Campbelltown’s three-peat squad will bring an abundance of quality and experience to the Modbury Jet’s backline.
After Modbury Jet’s impressive 2021 season and the inclusion of some of SA’s top talents, the club will look to make their promotion dreams of last season a reality in 2022.
Squad: Michael Doyle, Daniel Pritchard, Daniel Ditroia, Jesse Francesca, Harrison Conant, Thomas Veart, Cameron O`Doherty, Darsem Shaksi, Cooper Wegener, Luke Luongo, Liam McCabe, Hamish McCabe, David Mapstone, Anthony Luongo, Raymond Muhoma, Joshua Farrell, Liam Miller, Lachlan Fusco, Dylan Tripodi, Jokew Wuol, Matthew Mullen
Para Hills Knights
Last season: 5th
Coach: Theo Tsiounis
Captain: TBC
After experiencing relegation from the RAA NPLSA in 2020, Para Hills Knights first season in State League One did not go as planned as they finished fifth, getting knocked out of the Finals Series in the first-round play Playford City. Para Hills looked a top side in the league as their 17 goals conceded saw the team finish the season with the joint best defensive record in the competition, however the team’s poor attack saw them finish as the second lowest goal scoring team, ultimately preventing their promotion hopes.
With the ever-reliable defensive duo of Kieran McNally and Franz Pjetri partnering each other once again, Para Hills will once again look to prove they’re the best defensive side in the competition. With no changes needed in their backline, coach Theo Tsiounis put his focus into improving his forward line to help their promotion hopes. Diego Ramos signs for the club after spending a year at Eastern United where he helped keep his former club in State League One. While the arrival of Western Strikers duo Isaac Handley and Austyn Scambiatterra will provide great attacking threat for the club this upcoming season. Scambiatterra arrives off an impressive season where he scored eight goals for a struggling Western Strikers side, finishing the season as their top scorer. While the impressive signing of former Adelaide United Youth player Keshav Shrestha will provide great quality and creative to the team’s attack.
If Para Hills Knights can improve on their attack and maintain their incredible defence, there is no reason why the club cannot be a front runner for automatic promotion back to the RAA NPLSA.
Squad: Kieran McNally, Jordan Findlay, Franz Pjetri, Andrew Maio, Benjamin Head, Adam Savetta, Damien Crettenden, Ali Rayez Muradi, Jaweed Muradi, Yusuf Ahmed, Matthew Bouzalas, Joe Gatting, Diego Ramos, Martin Duku, Ethan Lekkas, Austyn Scambiatterra, Keshav Shrestha, Konstandinos Tsalamangos, William Mitev, Pedram Sourjani, Riley Stam, Ryan Hanson, Isaac Handley
Playford City
Last season: 4th
Coach: Ben Moore
Captain: TBC
Playford City continue to improve each year as their hopes of promotion to the RAA NPLSA appear to get closer. Season 2022 saw the club produce their most competitive season in years, as the team finished fourth, six points away from the league premiership. Their season was cut short as a loss to Modbury Jets on penalties in week two of the Finals Series saw the club’s promotion hopes quickly faded away.
Playford’s deadly duo of Daniel Ryan and Joshua Farrell caused numerous problems for opposition each week as their combined 24 goals saw them finish within the top three of the leagues leading scorers. Daniel Ryan’s tremendous season did not go unnoticed as he was awarded the State League One Player of the Year. Ryan has proven to be standout in the division and will once again be the leading man for Playford City this upcoming season. The loss of league leading goal scorer Josh Farrell to promotion rivals Modbury Jets will tamper Playford City’s chances of securing promotion. The arrival of former Croydon FC player Tatenda Nyaruwe will add additional talent and flair to the Playford squad for this upcoming season. Playford’s squad remains mainly intact for season 2022 as the quality already occupying Ramsay Park needs no improvement. The club and supporters will be extremely pleased to see last season’s Player of the Year Tyson Herraman remain at the club for an additional year as the young defender continues to develop into a tremendous defensive force.
Playford City will once again look to challenge for promotion into RAA NPLSA as coach Ben Moore looks to get off to a flying start in round one against newly promoted Port Adelaide.
Squad: Michael Oliver, Daniel Ryan, Brayden French, Will Stockdale, Matthew Capone, Rhys Townsend, Mitchell Miller, Bol Mapor, Anthony Capaldi, Jackson Kurtz, Matthew McCormack, Majok Mayen, Declan Burchell, Tatenda Nyaruwe, Tyler Green, Jiela Ajak, Tyson Herraman, Jayden Cremasoc, Joshua Donk, Andrew Butler, Brett Savill, Amri Bizimana
Port Adelaide SC
Last season: 1st (State League Two)
Coach: Lewis Vallelonga
Captain: James Skeffington
The first team to gain promotion from State League Two in 2021 was Port Adelaide SC, as they finished the season as League Premiers. In what was a standout season from the club, Port Adelaide ended the year with 16 wins and only two losses, as they showed their prolific nature in the front three scoring 61 goals in 22 games while finishing with the year as the second-best defence in the league.
Numerous Port Adelaide players were given the opportunity to not only celebrate the team’s success but also their individual accomplishments. James Skeffington was announced as the State League Two Player of the Year, while Alex Tate was awarded with the leagues Goalkeeper of the Year award. Port Adelaide will be pleased they could retain the service of both James and Alex for an additional season, as well as club Player of the Year Lewis McRae who will remain at the club to help take on State League One. However, the club will need to look for a new source of goals as their leading man Augustus Williams moved to RAA NPLSA Premiers Adelaide Comets. In their first season back in State League One, Port Adelaide must look to continue their great goalscoring form to help their chances during the season. The club will hope that new signings Marcus Marchioro (Brahma Lodge), Alex Clarke (Cove FC), and Daniel Crossing (WT Birkalla) can help make their transition from State League Two to State League One a smooth one.
Eyes will be on last season’s State League Two Premiers as they look to make a smoother transition than other promoted teams in the past. Their round one match against Playford City will be a big test for Port Adelaide as they look to start the season on the right foot.
Squad: Alexander Tate, Alexander Clarke, James Skeffington, Cody Watson, Daniel Crossing, Eghosa Uwumarogie, Joshua Kaye, Lewis Mcrae, Lucas Skirving, Marcus Marchioro, Matthew Marchioro, Mitchel Anderson, Nicholas Mavromatis, Sam Viola, Steven Pepper, Matthew Yeing, Dario Fabretto, James Coley, Joshua Maio, Reed Kaluza, Ryuta Hamamatsu, Jordan Fighera
West Adelaide SC
Last season: 10th
Coach: Jim Tsekinis
Captain: Ricardo Da Silva
2021 was certainly a year to forget for West Adelaide as the former Adelaide giants narrowly avoided relegation to State League Two by three points. After beginning the season with three wins in their first five matches, things began to go downhill as the club recorded eight losses in nine games. However, a late resurgence from the squad saw the team avoid the drop regaining their State League One status for season 2022.
New coach Jim Tsekinis has a big task ahead as he attempts to rebuild West Adelaide to their former glories. After losing club Best and Fairest Tyler Bailey and star defender Chris Annicchiarcio to Adelaide Victory, the club will be without two of their top performers from last season. However, Tsekinis’s new signings look like great replacements as the club looks to rebuild in a new vision. The signings of the talented and experienced duo of Kosta Mantis (Western Strikers) and Robbie Lippett (Modbury Jets), will bring a range of creativity to the squad. Goalkeeper Jackson O’Donnell arrives to West Adelaide after making nine appearances for MetroStars in season 2021, while Chris Christofilos arrives after winning the RAA NPLSA league Premiership with Adelaide Comets. Tsekinis continued to revamp the squad with the signings of the experienced Karl Phelps joining fresh of a State League One championship with FK Beograd, young star Joseph Rositano from Para Hills Knights, and the always talented and reliable Nick Menechella from State League Two Champions from Adelaide University SC.
West Adelaide will look to dramatically improve from their woes of last season, as their revamped squad looks to tackle a strong State League One competition.
Squad: Johnny Andrea, Nico Andre, Christian Cardinale, Sam Di Cicco, Evan Kostopoulos, Chris Christofilos, Ricardo Da Silva, Peter Katsambis, Kieran Griffiths, Kosta Mantis, Nick Menechella, Angus Miller, Josh Moran, Jackson O'Donnell, Karl Phelps, Joseph Rositano, Nicholas Stefanopoulos, Dimitri Toumazos, Jack Yull, Scott Howie, Jackson Cleaver