National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s side Rockdale Ilinden have further signalled its intent in bringing silverware home for the 2022 season by announcing Jaden Casella adding yet another massive attacking weapon to Steve Zoric’s squad.

The 21-year-old was a standout during the 2020 NPL NSW Men’s season with Rockdale so much so, it caught the attention of A-League side Central Coast Mariners.

The attacking star went on to play twenty matches for the Mariners.

His goals and trickery will be one to watch as the club prepares for the new upcoming season.

Casella is one of several quality signings at the Ilinden Sports Centre with new recruits such as Peter Kekeris, Will Mutch, Chris McStay, Nicola Kuleski, Jamie Percevski and Alex Masciovecchio all ready to rock as Rockdale look forward to the new season ahead.

The club has announced its eight friendly matches which will see them through till their first round match against Blacktown City on Sunday 6^th of March at the Blacktown City Sports Centre.

Ilinden will face Broadmeadow Magic (16^th January), Wollongong United (22^nd January), Blacktown Spartans (29^th January), Marconi Stallions (5^th February), St George FC (12^th February), Spirit FC (20^th February) and Hurstville Zagreb (26^th February) in its confirmed friendly matches.

Rockdale Ilinden coach Steve Zoric is eagerly anticipating the start of the 2022 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s campaign after announcing seven quality signings for the new season.

“I am happy with who we’ve brought to the club and looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in 2022,” said Zoric.

“We want to keep evolving as a club, revolutionize and leave a legacy.

“Our goal is to raise and improve the levels in the top tier NPL Men’s competition and thus be the benchmark club.”

The much-admired coach has been busy behind the scenes in looking at improving his squad and has done just that after bringing across two of the brightest young guns in the NPL NSW Men’s competition from APIA Leichhardt, namely Peter Kekeris and Will Mutch.

The duo had terrific seasons at Lambert Park and were standouts which caught the attention of Zoric who seized the opportunity in recruiting both youngsters.

Following these two signings, former Sutherland Sharks star midfielder Chris McStay has also made the move to Rockdale, ensuring a spicy affair when the two local rivals lock horns in 2022.

Former Sydney Olympic star Nicola Kuleski will also call Rockdale home agreeing to terms while former Western Sydney Wanderers youth player Jamie Percevski and ex-Sutherland Sharks player Alex Masciovecchio will also call Ilinden Sports Centre home.

One player keen to impress the Rockdale faithful will be former Tigers FC defender Lachlan Griffiths. Hailed as one of the breakout talents from Capital Football’s top tier NPL Men’s competition, the 22-year-old is looking forward to his new challenge playing in the most prestigious NPL league in Australia.

The club has bid farewell to Banri Kanizumi, Samuel Gulisano, Zac Sfiligoi, Amaury Gauthier, Mickey Neil, Jordan Figon and Enol Suarez all of which will be playing for different NPL clubs in 2022.

Finally, Zoric announced that the club has acquired the services of Trinity Allen as the new Goalkeeper coach for the 2022 season.

Rockdale Ilinden 2022: David Bradasevic, Daniel Araujo, Alec Urosevski, Tomoki Wada, Bai Antoniou, Brayden Sorge, Mitchell Stamatellis, Mohamed Ahmed, Patrick Savor, Peter Kekeris, Daniel Petkovski, Will Mutch, Nicola Kuleski, Jamie Percevski, Alex Masciovecchio, Lachlan Griffiths.

It’s been a great year for one of the NPL NSW Men’s experienced defenders in Mitchell Stamatellis, especially with the birth of his son Bodhi, and while he’s relishing a break from football to enjoy time with his family, he’s hoping the close-knit Rockdale Ilinden squad can get back together soon.

“It has been a good year, especially with the birth of my little boy at the start of the year – I think that’s made it,” he explained.

“I think it’s been an up and down year for us at Rockdale… especially with COVID coming back.

“We thought things were getting a little bit better and then there’s been another lockdown, I think it’s definitely been a little bit of a rollercoaster.”

Despite being apart, the close-knit Rockdale community is still supporting one another off the pitch.

“We’ve got a really strong group at Rockdale and we’re really close.

“I think the coaching staff is really supportive, they’re always there to lend a hand and be an ear if we need them.

“Steve [Zoric] sent a message the other day, just saying he would get in touch with each and every one of us individually and make sure we’re going ok.

“It’s a really close community and club and a very supportive network which is good, and all the boys are always willing to talk to each other if anyone needs anything, and they’re all aware of that, so I’m very happy to be at Rockdale, especially considering the circumstances.”

While the stay-at-home restrictions have dampened Rockdale’s effort to turn around their recent struggles, Stamatellis is certainly making the most of his extra time to enjoy time with his wife and six-month-old son.

“It’s just good to spend a bit more time at home with the little guy.

“He’s six months old now so he’s smiling, he’s laughing, he’s a lot more interactive so as a dad it’s a lot more fun, I can do a lot more and I’m really enjoying the time that I’m spending at home with him.”

Looking forward to the return of football after lockdown, Rockdale certainly have high ambitions.

“Win the grand final, that’s our goal.

“We were a bit unlucky to lose on penalties last year, so we do want to go one better and win the grand final this year.

“To turn the recent results around, head in the right direction and come back with a championship is definitely our goal.”

-By Madeline Riley