Coldstream is poised for a stealthy assault on the 2017 Division 4 premiership race, with a new era being ushered in at the Cougars under new senior coach Michael Cardamone.
The former Forest Hill and Basin small forward has lured a plethora of stars to the Cougars, as it looks to break a 16-year premiership drought.
Key forward Johnny Pignataro has returned to Coldstream after a number of years with Mitcham, where the spearhead has topped the goal-kicking on several occasions. Pignataro played in the Cougars’ 2001 premiership side, and looks set to repeat his goal-kicking heroics in his original colours this season.
Also headlining the new recruits is three-time premiership star Leigh Odermatt, who played in two flags with Heathmont and one with South Belgrave. Odermatt won the Blue Ribbon Medal in 2013 for best on ground for South Belgrave in its thrilling extra-time grand final win against Forest Hill.
The six-time Team-of-the-Year representative will serve as a playing-assistant coach in 2017, and will look to impart his invaluable knowledge and experience to the playing group.
Daniel Price has been welcomed back into the fold after a three-year hiatus from the club. Price’s time away from the Bears saw him play in the 2014 North Ringwood Division 2 premiership under Brett Moyle, as well as a grand final with The Basin in 2015 and a top-five finish in Pyramid Hill’s best and fairest in 2016 in the Loddon Valley Football League.
Coldstream kicks off its season next weekend, when it takes on Nunawading at Koonung Reserve on Saturday, 8th of April.
2016: Three wins, 15 losses, ninth.
2017 leaders:
President – Paul Walsh
Senior Coach – Michael Cardamone
The club spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of its Round 1 opener…
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
Become a competitive club in season 2017 covering all sports at levels, continuity in positive results across the board. (Also) continue to create a culture that invites people from all measures to want to be involved for the right reasons.
What has the pre-season been like so far for the club, is there any group that have really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits etc.)
Pre-season has been strong, good numbers and competitive. As one, all players have been impressive with their attitude and commitment.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
Looking positive, a larger committee driving again the want for people to get involved and opportunity for success.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
Continue to challenge what we do.
Who are the players who you think will have a break-out season, who may have gone under the radar in the past as far the being known across the EFL community?
Darcy Fritsch, Shannon Walsh, Patty O’Neill (and) Mitchell Edmonds.
Where does the club see itself in 3 years time?
Division 3.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
Forest Hill, runners-up in 2016 and always been never too far away from the top end plus a hard ground to play opposed to ours.
