Tara Murray
It’s a new looking Whittlesea Ranges squad for this year’s National Premier League 3 season.
After a disappointing 2021 which resulted in just three wins, the Ranges have looked to rebuild under Alfredo Costantino.
For Costantino and the group they are ready to get out on the field.
“Finally we can start after a big pre-season,” he said. “It’s been very long and the boys can’t wait.
“We can see what is going on.”
It’s Costantino’s first pre-season at the club, having joined them about round three last season.
He said last year was about looking to work through some deficiencies in the playing group and building from there.
This year it will be a very different looking squad with at least 15 new players.
Many of those players are familiar faces to Costantino.
“I coached Manningham United for four or five years,” he said. “We got two straight promotions.
“I moved to Wollert and got involved with the Ranges.
“Because of my good relationship with some of the players from Manningham, they decided to join me at Whittlesea.
“We’ve got some good memories.”
Among the signings are Dean Lorenzi, Billy Romas and Anton Nardella.
Costantino said the players he had brought in weren’t just good players, but people who would add to the club.
“They want to work to build the club up and they have a really good attitude.”
Costantino said the club had been assisting him fully to achieve what they want to on the field.
He said they all want the best for the club.
The Ranges are set to kick off their season on Saturday against Melbourne Victory.
Costantino said they were aiming for improvement on last season.
“The goal is to avoid relegation as soon as possible and see what happen then.”
In the NPL, Hume City are set to face South Melbourne, as it continues to search for its first win.
