After spending a year in Community League, Coniston FC look to have reset their goals and appear to be back for the long haul. They had a consistent season in Community League taking out both the Premiership and Grand Final earning them promotion straight back into District League.

They started their District League campaign in style having made the Fraternity Club Cup Final. They topped their group and thumped title contenders Warilla 6-2 in the semi-final. Whilst this is only pre-season and clubs are still finalising their squads, the signs are strong that Coniston FC will be a contender.

Last year, the club brought back many of the club’s stalwarts who added some much-needed experience to what was initially a youthful side that was relegated in 2015. The likes of Chris Jankulovski, Willy Alarcon, Jorge Alarcon, Alfredo Esteves, Ile Kostovski, Dannie Ristevski and one club veteran (350+ games for Coniston) Steve Sulevski all contributed to getting the job done and many of them have decided to hang up the boots after their promotion leaving the game on a high.

Replacing these guys was not going to be easy however hats off to their recruitment team who seem to have compiled a very competitive and handy squad for 2017. The club has picked up a major scoop in former South Coast United front-man – Dinko Terzic. He is already showing his worth terrorising District League defences. Former Port Kembla midfielder Adrian Nikolovski is also another handy signing. Former Wolf Dusan Kolonja and speedster Lorri Mandredi will of course add some creativity and speed to their midfield.

At the other end, Coniston FC have also bolstered their defence picking up former Corrimal defenders Vasko Mitkovski, Matthew Cuda, and Andrew Nanos as well as former Shell Cove dynamo Ryan Vandenburgh. Alex Makin in goal also adds some stability to what looks like a solid foundation.

It appears that Coniston FC are going to take some beating this year and a top 5 finish is well within their capability. No matter what happens this year, I am sure we all agree that it is great to see Coniston FC back in the Men’s Premiership.