West Adelaide Soccer Club is looking to re-establish itself as a power house in South Australian football, beginning with the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2014.

West Adelaide SC Chairman Alex Alexandrou said that the club is moving forward, with a number of changes to be seen in the upcoming season.

“The Kilburn project is up and running and in the mean time, we are very excited to be playing at the newly developed Adelaide Shores Football Centre.

“Preseason for the Senior Men started a couple of weeks ago, with a few additions – Tom Briscoe has joined us from West Torrens Birkalla, Jace Cummins from Adelaide Blue Eagles, Jordan Watson from South Adelaide and Nathan Andijanto from Raiders.”

The side is eagerly awaiting the Round 1 clash against Adelaide City, one of local footballs biggest rivalries; however it isn’t just Senior Men’s football on the clubs mind.

“We have merged with Adelaide Olympic to form a Women’s side, to be played at the grounds at West Terrace.

“This is a significant step for the club and we are looking forward to establishing a place in the Women’s Premier League.”

The Senior Men’s side gained promotion to the Premier League following their undefeated 2013 season and being titled the Champions of the State League. Head Coach Ross Aloisi said he was proud of his team and contributes the results to the players.

“The guys ran what we did in training. They drove everything. The coaching staff gave them the guidance and they drove it all. They knew what they wanted to achieve.

“Along the way we would work on things and it helped that the players we added in through the season already understood how we wanted to play.” 

Looking at the 2014 Season, Aloisi says the team is aware that they will face tough competition and will need to be on their game every week.

“Realistically, clubs like MetroStars, Adelaide Blue Eagles and Adelaide City are a step above us but we are looking to compete and definitely would like to stay up in the Premier League competition. That is our aim.”

In addition to his role at West Adelaide, Aloisi is Head Coach of the Westfield W-League Lady Reds and believes that his experience with the women’s side, although different in many ways, will assist his position with the men.

“In the W-League you are out training constantly and then playing against coaches that hold their A Licence.

“It is great way to develop my coaching experience and education and will be an asset to bring in to the local Premier League.”

Captain of the State League Champions, Paul Pezos, agrees with Aloisi on the successful 2013 Season and the aim for 2014.

“We were well structured and the quality of the coaching was very high, along with being in a professional environment. We always had a game plan and we followed the game plan.

“Our short term goal as a group is to stay in the top flight. Following that, we are looking to maintain success and position ourselves in the top 5.” 

Pezos believes that MetroStars will be solid again in 2014, along with Adelaide Blue Eagles and Adelaide City and that Campbelltown City are the ones to watch following their strong finish to the 2013 Season.

The defender who holds a B Licence says his experience as an assistant coach to Aloisi with the Lady Reds will help in the upcoming season.

“Coaching along side Ross I am learning further what he is trying to implement to the team and the club. I can then pass on this knowledge to the team on the field.

“We are all going to play the same style; we all understand our roles and responsibilities and have got a clear understanding of what we have to do.”