The Rosellas’ last two seasons are ones they would perhaps like to forget. Following their relegation back to District League in 2015, the club struggled to attract players and finished the 2016 season with 11 point and just three wins. They were given a reprieve when Shell Cove FC were relegated two divisions.

The club realised that they need to make changes. There has been fundamentally a major clean out with no less than 11 players leaving the club making way for up to 12 new players. New coach – Tim Hooker, will be looking to first and foremost tighten a defence that leaked 74 goals last year.

To combat this, the club has brought in veterans David Carney (Maroubra United), David Kiss and Gary Newell (both from Oak Flats). They have also picked up some other handy signings in Jack McNamara (Narellan Rangers) and Michael Jennings (Campbelltown Southern District). Another of their signings is former Wolf and Cringila Lions defender - Mathew Kocic.

The Rosella’s have also utilised their full visa quota with three new Japanese recruits who we know very little about.

Bellambi haven’t had the greatest of starts to their pre-season losing all three of their group fixtures. Whilst they haven’t fielded their full-strength side just yet, it must be a concern for Coach Hooker that his side is yet to find the net in a competitive fixture.

Not sure what to make of Bellambi just yet but perhaps Round 1 will give us some insight when they take on Wests Illawarra. If Bellambi can’t get a result from that game, I expect them to be in a relegation battle again this year.