BULLI FC

Compared to 2014, when they won the Illawarra Premier League and made the Grand Final, 2015 was a bit of a flop for Bulli FC: they ended the season nine points adrift of Dapto Dandaloo Fury and lost out to Wollongong United in their bid for another Grand Final spot.

This is one of the most exciting teams to watch in the IPL, though, with their fast-paced approach which can move them from defence into attack in a matter of seconds. They were even hungrier for goals away from home than they were at Balls Paddock in 2015, averaging three goals a game through the season, with centre forward Ben McDonald claiming the Golden Boot, with his 26 goals.

Early season performances suggest Bulli have started the season in top gear and mean to pick up where they left off. Coach Ben Smith continues in charge for 2016 and will be hoping his side will be challenging again for the IPL title.

Players to watch

Ben McDonald is once again a likely candidate for the 2016 Golden Boot, especially with ex-Bulli junior Dylan Lewis now commanding a first grade slot most weeks. Lewis notched 24 goals for Youth Grade in just 13 games last season, before taking up an attacking right wing role for First Grade, which makes him more provider than goal getter, but he has teamed up with McDonald in a way that will strike fear into many an IPL back line. Tobin Zoomers is always one to watch, with his power moving forward out of midfield, and Guy Knight’s corners can test any defence. Watch out also for Lewis Clements, another to move up from Bulli Youth Grade to the seniors.

Season expectation

Surely a top three slot once again for Bulli and surely one of the sides to go to if you’re a neutral spectator wanting to watch the most entertaining football in the Illawarra. The young players moving up through the club ranks are perhaps the most exciting prospects for this season. And on paper, the new signings from outside don’t make for obvious headlines. But coach Ben Smith’s approach is to create a team that plays well together rather than letting individuals take the limelight. The FFA Cup visitors to Balls Paddock this month remarked on how well Bulli played as a unit. A little cup run, with a magical game against NPL side Spirit FC up next, might help keep the Bulli fire burning strong.

By Simon Duffin