Danaskos pumped for season opener
It’s been a long time coming but St George FC are hyped and ready to go as they kick-off its 2024 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW campaign in the season opener against Manly United at Cromer Park tonight.
The newly promoted side who defeated the Mt Druitt Town Rangers in the Promotion/Relegation playoffs last year will hope to hold their own as they lock horns with the state’s best men’s teams starting off with a tricky away clash to Manly United at the Northern Beaches tonight.
Boosted by the likes of players such as Connor Quiligian, Harry Jones, Jessie Spang, Anthony Morabito, Mark Rodic, Caio De Godoy, Luke Vlastelica, Nikola Skataric and Pat O’Shea to name a few, coach Jane Talcevski has fine tuned his chargers for a big year ahead.
One player who knows the league quite well is club captain Troy Danaskos.
The 32-year-old is relishing the role of being the club captain of such an iconic club and is hoping to hit the ground running with the Saints with a victory against Manly United.
“Manly United away is always a tough match and we expect nothing different tonight.
“However, we are confident in our ability as a squad in terms of our quality on the ball and willingness off it to work hard and get the job done.
“We are obviously buzzing to be back in the NPL, where this historic club deserves to be!
“A lot of time and effort goes on behind the scenes from the board right down to the coaching staff and players.
“We pride ourselves on a philosophy of playing attractive football and we are looking forward to showcasing it in the top-flight starting tonight.”
Danaskos stated to Football NSW that the club has worked hard in establishing its own brand of football during pre-season which they hope to unleash this year.
“Pre-season has been great!
“We’ve been able to establish our style of play through several pre-season games which has led us to being confident come round 1.
“Expect an attractive playing style from us as a squad.
“This is embedded throughout the whole club, and I think we’ve created a reputation that we are a side that likes to play nice footy.”
The experienced campaigner praised the coverage the league has received so far and is looking forward to seeing that and more during the course of the season.
“I’ve definitely been impressed with the coverage the league has received across all platforms and channels.
“NPL.TV was great the last couple of seasons but we are definitely looking forward to watching games live on YouTube now!
“I’m sure the coverage and people behind the scenes won’t change the quality of action fans, coaches and players will receive on a weekly basis.”