Recently promoted side South Adelaide Panthers are confident heading in to the 2014 National Premier Leagues Season. Newly appointed Head Coach Danny Graystone has settled in to the role comfortably and is looking forward to the year ahead.

“I played at South Adelaide for 5 years, which is part of the reason I ended up there coaching. A lot of the boys were there as juniors and I have worked with previously or knew from playing against. It was quite familiar surroundings to come in to.”

With the season just over a week away, Graystone believes his side will fare well in the competition.

“Outsiders are going to see it as a very difficult year for us, but as an insider knowing the quality of players we have and having spent last year working with MetroStars and doing a scouting report on each player in the league, the lads don’t have any thing to fear.

“We have a lot of young players but they have the experience. We will go out and try to win every match and where that puts us at the end of the year will show how we played throughout the year.”

Joining the side that finished 3 points ahead of Pirates to gain promotion in to the Premier League, will be a number of new players with impressive backgrounds. Graystone has added a handful of local players as well as Gerrard Ambassa, a former Hong Kong International player, Joshua Quaynor who was in the Victorian All Star Team last season and Stephen Hoyle who was one of the top goal scorers in the New Zealand league.

Graystone is aware that the strong four clubs, Adelaide City, Adelaide Blue Eagles, Campbelltown City and MetroStars are the sides to look out for this season.

“I worked with MetroStars all year last year and they finished 13 points clear on the ladder for a reason. They have one of the best goal keepers and defensive units in the league. We managed a draw against them in preseason but they will be difficult to beat.

“Campbelltown have strengthened but I really do think the gap between the bottom and top of the league is getting tighter. It is definitely a league where any one can beat any one on the day.”

South Adelaide Captain Chris Reed tells that the promotion to the Premier League was a long time coming.

“The past season was enjoyable for us. Getting promoted for the first time and having the most successful season in terms of games won for the club was great. It was rewarding for the guys who have stayed at the club for the long haul and it has paid off.

“We will be going in to every game now with confidence, with the believe that we can win and that we will survive in the Premier League. Our goal for the year is to survive but we aren’t capping our expectations at that.”

The central defender is yet to play against the majority of teams in the Premier League but expects a tough competition when facing MetroStars, Campbelltown City, Adelaide Blue Eagles and Adelaide City.

Reed will face a known rival in Round 1 of the Coca-Cola Federation Cup this coming weekend however in Port Adelaide Pirates.

“The Cup isn’t our main objective this year but we would like to have a strong campaign. Pirates are always tough to matter who they play and they will be on Saturday, but at home we expect to get the win.”

Graystone shares Reed’s sentiments.

“I think we are ready. I haven’t seen Pirates in the preseason but they are always strong. They are a lot better at home than away so I am pleased we got the home draw. It will be a decent hit out and a good indicator as to how we have both settled for the coming season. Hopefully we progress to the next round.”

South Adelaide Panthers take on Pirates at O’Sullivans Beach Sports & Community Centre Saturday 15 February at 2:30pm.

South Adelaide Panthers face Raiders in Round 1 of the season on Saturday 22 February at the Croatian Sports Centre, kick-off 3:00pm.