Ricciuto eager to add more trophies to the Ilinden cabinet

With Rockdale Ilinden pushing for their second successive National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW Premiership, we spoke to club legend Blake Ricciuto on their campaign so far, his goalscoring form and their aims for the rest of the season.

Rockdale currently sit second on the NPL Men’s NSW ladder, three points clear of third-placed NWS Spirit FC and five points behind league leaders Marconi Stallions.

The reigning Premiers have been on a sensational run of form recently, going eight games unbeaten as they look to push on and challenge rivals Marconi for top spot.

“Recently we’ve gone on a good run,” said Ricciuto on their season so far.

“I wouldn’t say we started off slow, but it wasn’t to the standards expected of a Rockdale team and with the calibre of players we have.

“But we picked up last-minute winners and results and things like that, and we have worked on things we need to.

“Lately, a few things have clicked and we are confident, and all the boys are back fit.

“So there’s a healthy competition for places, which is good for our run, and that’s why we’ve been doing so well lately.”

Ricciuto himself has been key to Rockdale’s form with his dependable presence, ball-playing ability and knack for decisive goals, which was on full display in Rockdale’s 2-1 victory over Sydney FC in Round 15.

Ricciuto scored both goals as his side defeated the Sky Blues 2-1, making it four for the season along with goals against Blacktown City and Sydney United 58.

“First and foremost, all I want to do is win games,” Ricciuto said when asked about his brace.

“Whether I’m on the scoresheet or anyone else, it doesn’t bother me.

“The two goals were important to beat Sydney FC 2-1 to keep our run going.

“I didn’t really have to do much because Chris McStay’s deliveries were pinpoint, so he just put it on my head, and I just needed to stick my head there.

“Every game is such an important game, so it meant a lot to me.”

Looking ahead, Rockdale will take on an in-form St George FC side this weekend, who have come off a strong mid-week victory over Sydney FC to move just two points off a finals place.

“It will be a tough game,” said Ricciuto when previewing the fixture.

“We know that any team can turn it on at any point, so we just have to be ready.

“St George got a good win against a stacked Sydney FC squad and in the first round they troubled us a bit – we got the three points, but late on.

“We know what they’ve got to offer, and it’s just about preparing ourselves and worrying about ourselves.

“If we can play our own game, we’ll get the result, but no game is easy, and we have to be prepared to fight and battle for 90 minutes at 100%.”

After a sensational 2024 season, Rockdale are back for more, aiming to win every trophy they have available.

While they suffered a penalty shootout defeat in the Australia Cup Preliminary Rounds to League One Men’s side SD Raiders, there is still plenty of silverware on offer, with Rockdale in a good position to challenge for their second successive Premiership.

“When you’re at Rockdale, the aim is to win as many games as possible,” said Ricciuto.

“We are gunning for the Premiership again.

“It’s unfortunate we got knocked out of the Cup, which is a bit of a sore point, and for a big club like Rockdale we’re aiming to win every trophy on offer.

“Our aims are to keep winning as many games as possible to try and win the Premiership.”

Watch Ricciuto and Rockdale at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon, as they take on St George FC, with the 3pm kickoff streamed live on Football NSW’s YouTube channel.