Unfinished business will be the driving force behind APIA Leichhardt’s 2018 season, legendary Tigers’ midfielder Franco Parisi has revealed.
The Lambert Park club ended a 38 year premiership drought last season, but defeats in the grand final and Waratah Cup final has left APIA hungry and determined to make amends.
While the club will be without former coach Danial Cummins this season, Billy McColl has returned to lead the side for this campaign with his sights set on making 2018 APIA’s most successful season to date.
After tasting Premiership success last season, Parisi admitted the squad are more driven than ever to achieve success in every competition.
“The message is quite simple – we are driven to win every game we play,” Parisi said.
“I think it would be fair to say we have moved on from our grand final defeat last season but it is definitely going to be something which will inspire us to improve.
“Billy has brought his unique approach back this season and it is different to how Danial had us playing but i’m confident we will be in a strong position to compete for titles once again.”
It has been a busy offseason for APIA in the transfer market with Howard Fondyke, Zach Mackenzie, Lachlan Roberts and former Melbourne Victory striker George Howard joining McColl’s side
Luke Turnbull, Adrian Vlastelica, Matthew West, Dominic Cox and Sean O’Connell have all departed the club season.
However, it’s the return of young striker Jordan Murray for his third season with APIA which Parisi believes fans should be the most excited about.
“Jordan has been great for us ever since he joined the club and every season he has developed into a more complete player,” Parisi said.
“He has been really impressive so far this preseason and I think he will once again be a key contributor.”
Although going short of saying APIA will be the favourites for the title this season, Parisi was adamant his side would definitely in the mix for back to back Premiership wins.
“To win in this league you need to compete on every level and APIA will be treating each match like it is a grand final,” he said.
“We won a title last season but we also lost in two finals so there is still plenty of room to grow for us.
“This season we want to make amends and go better once again.”
-By Nick Houghton
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