More than half of the AWFA clubs will use this weekend’s Andronicos Cup to fine-tune their preparation for the 2018 season.
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The annual pre-season tournament at Jelbart Park will see hosts Albury City, Melrose, St Pats, Twin City Wanderers, Wodonga Diamonds, Boomers and defending champions Wangaratta represent the region.
Canberra outfit Brindabella Blues will send two teams down, while Leeton United rounds out a strong 10-team field.
The Iannotta Cup has run in conjunction with the event since 2011 and has attracted six women’s team this year.
Defending champions Albury City will face last year’s finalists Wangaratta, along with St Pats, Albury United and two teams from Brindabella Blues.
Albury City senior men’s coach Matt Maw admitted the tournament will provide a great opportunity for his younger players to get a feel for senior competition.
“It’s a minimum of four games we’ll play, so we’ll try different systems and structures and obviously new players and young players to see how they go in competitive matches before the season proper kicks-off,” Maw said.
“It will be really handy to see how some of the 16-year-olds handle themselves against senior opposition because often it’s their first chance to see what they’re like against the best in the comp, with less pressure than you’d have in the normal season.
“It’s a massive day for the club.
“The Andronicos name is a huge name in the league, not just with the club, so it’s good to honour them with it.
“It’s always the curtain-raiser for AWFA, so when Andronicos Cup is on, you know the season is about to start and things are about to get serious.”
Teams will be split into two pools of five and play four matches, 25 minutes in length, with the top outfit from each side to progress to the grand final.
Albury City has this year introduced a tribute for the player of the Andronicos Cup final, known as the Peter Galanakis Man of the Match Award.
Galanakis, who passed away this year, was instrumental in the club’s senior men’s success in the early years and was known as a master coach of his era.
“All the coaches are accredited these days, but back then he was one of the first accredited coaches and really developed players,” Maw said.
“Even though he was a winner and Albury City were so popular, he was all about development and pushing players to play at a higher level.”
Action kicks-off at 9.30am with Albury City taking on Brindabella Blues and Melrose to meet Wangaratta in the men’s, while St Pats and Brindabella Blues clash in the women’s opener.