First Grade Table

Youth Grade Table

1st Grade Season Preview

With a change in the IFA playing structure that has revamped the old reserve grade league to just 12 teams out of a possible 32 teams, an increase of 2 teams in the First division and once again changes in the competition format, season 2009 again promises to be an interesting one for Wests Illawarra FC. Add a new head coach, some new players and a pre season that lasts longer than the actual playing season and you can't help but think we might have finally moved on from our previous playing seasons that happened to resemble the movie “Groundhog Day”.

In comes Julio Miranda as Head Coach from last season's playoff finalists Balgownie Rangers, two new keepers join the Devils in Craig Stewart and Clint Worthington, Tom “the Pom” is back for another stint and Julian Sivikofsky is promoted from youth grade. One notable signing is Luke Gordon who has returned from the UK . Gordo played for Wests many years ago before succumbing to a new injury in the early stages of that season. For those that don't know Gordo, he will be the one mixing it with the opposition in the middle of midfield on match days. (One disappointment is that he is a Liverpool supporter. That makes the official number of LFC Supporters at Wests = 2).

Wests have managed to retain the services of club stalwarts Glen and Brad Weeks, serial card collector Mark Thurling and his flatmate Andrew “Aussie” Austin . The clubs leading goalscorer from last season Shane McGirr will again lead the attack and will be assisted by Michael Cox and Salvo for another season. Expect consistent performances from Ryan Kearns and the smallest man at the club Oscar Moriera and this year could be one that will hopefully be better a more rewarding season than last.

Players In – Luke Gordon (UK), Craig Stewart (Corrimal), Clint Worthington (Balgownie), Julian Sivikofsky (Youth Grade) Tom Martinus, Chris Murdevski (Wollongong Utd), Jason Murdevski (Wollongong Utd)

Players Out – Paul Robbards (Tarrawanna), Shane Wilkshire (Dapto), Simon Jaeger (Fernhill), Steve Jovanovski (Retired), Brett Barklay (Unattached), Trent Tanner (Unattached), Frank Barilla (Unattached)