FOR most football clubs the jumpers have only just been packed away, but for the Mandurah Mustangs the new season is about to begin.
Such is the enthusiasm around the club, the players themselves have sought to get pre-season underway.
After a season which didn’t produce many wins but unearthed a wealth of young talent, along with a strong year off the field, the club is excited about the coming season.
The Mustangs will look to recruit some good, experienced players, to assist in the nurturing of its colts players, 17 made their league debut last year, including seven who played in the winning Peel Cavalier Colts side at the Landmark carnival.
Pivotal to the development of the young players is Chris Salameri, who has been appointed the new colts coach for the 2015 season.
Salameri had previously coached at Boddington where he led the League side for two years, Reserves for three years and Colts for three years.
He also played football with Boddington for 22 years, some as player-coach.
After moving to Dawesville and stepping away from football for four years Salameri said the time was right to again become involved in fottball.
“I missed it [football],” he said.
“I heard the Mustangs had a position going and put my hand up.
“They are a long-standing club, have great facilities and are building a great culture.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Mustangs Colts won the premiership in 2013 and played finals this year and Salamari said finals would again be the goal.
“Fitness will be the biggest focus, if you’re fit you’re halfway there,” he said.
Salameri, along with junior co-ordinator Leon Demarte, is also keen to assist in the development of players in the Mandurah Centrals and North Mandurah Junior Football Clubs, so that they have the necessary skills to make the transition to senior football.
Pre-season starts on November 25 at 6pm on the Rushton North Oval.
League coach Rob Lawson along with Reserves coach George Costello, will run a six-week skills based program leading up to Christmas.
Any players who feel they can contribute to the Mustangs Football Club, on and off the field next season, are welcome to attend.
