La Fiamma enjoy strong preparation as they look for a promotion tilt this season

After one of their best-ever seasons, La Fiamma is hoping to build into another big year with promotion aims firmly in view when their season gets under way on April 16. The Reds recovered from a stuttering start last season to still be in the hunt for promotion right up until the penultimate round but a record-breaking undefeated year by Perth and a nine-game winning streak by Cracovia FC saw them miss out by seven points. This year La Fiamma are determined to get off on the right foot, already enjoying good results in preseason friendlies. They went down in a tight 1-0 loss to premier division team Jaguar FC before defeating State league division two side Carramah Rovers 2-0 and then travelling to Perth where they beat Baldivis on penalties. Lachlan Gray who returns as captain for another season said the team was much better placed than this time last year. “To do what we did last year with five or six new players was really good and it was the best season we’ve had in well over a decade,” he said. “But we dropped the ball a couple of times early losing points we should have banked which hurt us.” “Now having got a year under the belt for most of these guys and having done a full pre-season we are in a good place come round one.” Gray said the club was looking to be at the top end of the table once again this year. “We want to be pushing for promotion again and possibly a league title, we’ve got almost everyone we had last year and a couple of extras,” he said. “It will hopefully mean we won’t have to double up in both reserves and league, particularly on away trips and will also see more competition for spots. “We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves but I think with what we showed last year if we can at least match that effort I’ll be happy.” In addition to a couple of new players, Gray also suggested a different game style was being developed. “Last year we scored a lot of goals which was great but we also conceded plenty as well,” he said. “With the attacking side looking good, coach Keegan Roos has had us playing out from the back a lot more and looking to strike on the counter attack.” “It’s not something you see too much at this level and should make for some good-looking football and hopefully means we don’t have to score as many goals to win games.” In addition to a new season, the club has also been busy putting together an under-16 squad for the first time in a few years which will be led by co-coaches Mark Gray and Paul Mullooly competing in the local league. Mullooly has experience coaching around Leeds in England while Gray is a club stalwart and former player in addition to being Lachlan’s dad. “The idea for us is to be building a pathway from under 10s all the way to the amateur league,” Lachlan said. “We’ll be coaching similar styles through all grades and by building a strong foundation of youth it not only helps us but can hopefully see guys slip straight into Perth leagues.” Any experienced young footballers are encouraged to sign up while both the amateur league, women’s and local league teams are always looking for players who want to compete at the highest level Geraldton has to offer. Anyone interested in joining a team at the senior or youth level can contact the club at lafiamma@bigpond.com or message their Facebook page.