Amadei set to raise bar even higher at South

 

December 16 2009

Shepparton News

Reappointed Shepparton South coach Paul Amadei has made it perfectly clear his team is still hungry to emulate this year's premiership in Goulburn North East Football Association.

Amadei led South to the minor premiership and grand final glory this year, ending an eight-season drought for the Southerners in men's division one.

But the coach who led South's hat-trick of premierships between 1999 and 2001 said he wouldn't be aiming to replicate the feat and that next year would be the second and last season of his second stint in the role.

``I wanted the job because I think we can win it again,'' Amadei said.

``Two seasons is a lot to ask when you've got a family and a business, to look at another year (after next year) I would have to be fairly convinced that we could contend.

``I promised Frank (president Frank Scarcella) that I'd give him two years. I thought it would take two years to win the premiership and we got it in the first.''

Amadei said he would not be making comments about players and recruiting so far from the new season.

South lost one match this year, in the final home and away round against Tatura after having already sealed the minor premiership.

``I can tell you one thing, we're going to put on a show. Shepp South will be competitive,'' Amadei said.

``We've put the hard yards in, I can assure you that it's going to be a good side that beats Shepp South. Other teams know where the benchmark is, our mark is going to be higher than what it was last year.''

Cobram coach Rocky Papalia is preparing for a second year as Tigers coach after confirmation he would lead the club again.

Papalia has remained busily involved in soccer during the winter off-season, coaching for the Australian Football Skool and also the Rivers FC under-18s.

The Tigers have already committed to bringing past best and fairest winners Frank Bazzano and Carl Fannon back for next year, along with defender Seb Fichera, striker Daniel Genovesi and midfielder Ivo Madeira.

Cobram Victory winger Joey Crea has also crossed town to play for the Tigers next year.

Cobram finished fifth this year after missing the finals on goal difference.

``I think most definitely the expectations are to make the finals,'' Papalia said.

``The hunger's there and now for myself and this team it's time to take the next step.''