Gallery: Panthers build toward success

WITH the opening round of the ACT Premier League upon us, Queanbeyan Age sports reporter Andrew Johnston spoke with Monaro Panthers coach Njegosh Popovich about the season ahead.

WITH the opening round of the ACT Premier League upon us, Queanbeyan Age sports reporter Andrew Johnston spoke with Monaro Panthers coach Njegosh Popovich about the season ahead.

WITH the opening round of the ACT Premier League upon us, Queanbeyan Age sports reporter Andrew Johnston spoke with Monaro Panthers coach Njegosh Popovich about the season ahead.

For coverage of the Panthers season opener against Canberra Olympic at Riverside Stadium on Sunday, see: http://www.queanbeyanage.com.au/story/1352947/veteran-answers-the-call-for-panthers-opener/?cs=1655

AJ: First of all Njegosh, welcome back for your second campaign in charge at the Panthers. It’s great to be getting back into the footy season once more. What are you general thoughts on the year ahead?

AJ: First of all Njegosh, welcome back for your second campaign in charge at the Panthers. It’s great to be getting back into the footy season once more. What are you general thoughts on the year ahead?

AJ: First of all Njegosh, welcome back for your second campaign in charge at the Panthers. It’s great to be getting back into the footy season once more. What are you general thoughts on the year ahead?

NP: When I took the position last year I knew it was always going to be a three year prospect. Last season was about consolidating, this year is about building and hopefully, next year will be about the pay off. So I’m not getting overly excited about things in terms of results this season.

For the Age's photo gallery of the 2013 Monaro Panthers playing squad, see above. 

AJ: Speaking of last year, it obviously wasn’t a great one for the club in terms of results on the pitch. Can you turn that around this season?

AJ: Speaking of last year, it obviously wasn’t a great one for the club in terms of results on the pitch. Can you turn that around this season?

AJ: Speaking of last year, it obviously wasn’t a great one for the club in terms of results on the pitch. Can you turn that around this season?

NP: As a club we’re still in the process of rebuilding, not just for the next year, but in turning Monaro into a force for the next decade so it’s more about a long term focus for us at the moment.

In saying that, I think we’ve learnt a lot over the past 12 months and we’re well positioned to improve on last season without a doubt.

AJ: It’s a very young squad you’ve assembled. Surely there is risk involving in running such an inexperienced outfit?

AJ: It’s a very young squad you’ve assembled. Surely there is risk involving in running such an inexperienced outfit?

AJ: It’s a very young squad you’ve assembled. Surely there is risk involving in running such an inexperienced outfit?

NP: Not really. When you talk about risk, you’re talking about results on the scoresheet but as I’ve said before, I’m not under any pressure from the club to achieve immediate results. Bringing all these talented young kids through is going to hold us in good stead for years to come.

AJ: Tell me about some of these young players you’ve got at your disposal. There’s obviously a bit of potential there?

AJ: Tell me about some of these young players you’ve got at your disposal. There’s obviously a bit of potential there?

AJ: Tell me about some of these young players you’ve got at your disposal. There’s obviously a bit of potential there?

NP: A lot of these kids were blooded in Premier League last year and having that experience under their belts and being a year older, is only going to be a positive.

We’ve also picked up a few younger players who maybe couldn’t get starts at other clubs who are going to have a point to prove but only time will tell. Tyson Cottam is one guy who was with us last year who is only going to grow into his role at this level.

AJ: What style of football can we expect to see from the Panthers this year?

AJ: What style of football can we expect to see from the Panthers this year?

AJ: What style of football can we expect to see from the Panthers this year?

NP: Our philosophy will always be to attack and play forward. If we played more defensively we might be able to get away with more 0-0 draws or 1-0 wins but for me, it’s about playing attractive football and preparing these boys for the future.

AJ: Finally mate, you were right on the money last year when you backed Cooma into the title. Outside of you guys of course, who looks the goods this season?

AJ: Finally mate, you were right on the money last year when you backed Cooma into the title. Outside of you guys of course, who looks the goods this season?

AJ: Finally mate, you were right on the money last year when you backed Cooma into the title. Outside of you guys of course, who looks the goods this season?

NP: I’d be remiss if I didn’t say Cooma will be right up there again. They’ve kept the core of their team from last year together and they’ve got one of the toughest midfields in the competition so they’ll be tough to beat.

Outside of Cooma, the usual suspects Canberra FC and Belconnen will be up there and I think Olympic will be a team to watch. 

FOR a complete Monaro Panthers 2013 ACT Men's Premier League draw, see: http://www.queanbeyanage.com.au/story/1352949/monaro-panthers-2013-season-draw/?cs=1655