Romero seeking redemption as APIA look to build in 2023

APIA Leichhardt superstar Jason Romero says his side are seeking redemption in 2023, as they look to make up for a 2022 season that he felt fell short of the club’s lofty standards.

“We fell short of our goals last year, so we come into 2023 with our eyes on the prize,” he said.

However, without the safety net of finals in 2023, Romero said he expected a higher intensity across the whole competition from Round 1, with the winner in 2023 being decided by the home-and-away league results in over 30 rounds.

“I think with this new format, you’re going to figure out very quickly where you are,” he said.

“You really need to hit the ground running and get a strong start in because there are so many good and competitive teams.

“If you look at Sydney Olympic and Marconi and the signings they’ve made, they’re not going to drop a lot of games, so you can’t afford to give anyone a head start.”

With the competition expanded to include more teams and games, Round 1 has come around much quicker in 2023 than in years prior, but for Romero and his teammates, that’s been a good thing.

“You know, normally, you start the year, and there’s this wait of eight or 12 weeks before it gets going,” he said.

“But I think the earlier kick-off is working in our benefit. The season is already upon us, and we’ve just been working flat out to be ready. I think it’s brought a different energy knowing that we’re starting so soon.”

Romero praised his club’s approach to squad development ahead of the 2023 season, which has revolved around maintaining the club’s key playing personnel and adding depth with the addition of some exciting youngsters and experienced campaigners.

“For us, we obviously want to do well in the league but we also want to have a strong Australia Cup campaign, too,” he said.

“So with 30 league games minimum plus all the cup games we want to be involved in, we’re going to need the numbers and the depth because it’s a big season. Every player in the squad is going to need to contribute.”

After a strong debut season with APIA, Romero was looking to keep up his individual performances, starting in Round 1 with a tough road trip to Wollongong, where the Wolves await.

“It’s a tough game to start, but that’s a good thing for us. We know Wollongong are tough to beat there, but we have a strong squad, and we’ve had a strong pre-season, so we go into that game excited to start our season off the right way.”