Dean Ugrinic has rounded out his squad for the Foxtel Y-League 2018/18 season ahead of the home opener against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
Ugrinic’s squad is a strong group of local talent with a number of the inaugural Canberra United FNYL side returning, and he said he is confident that the group can be competitive in the new season.
“This squad will be competitive, week in and week out,” Ugrinic said.
“What I’m hoping to do is put out a side that our supporters will enjoy watching and be proud of the talent that we have in Canberra, which I believe is on par with any of the talent other NYL squads have at their disposal.”
Ugrinic has recruited not only from Canberra clubs but also the surrounding region, with three players from the Wollongong Wolves joining the side, including former Belconnen United player Bul Juach.
The spread of talent across the surrounding region is not lost on Ugrinic, who emphasised the importance of looking beyond our backyard for recruitment.
“I think it’s a squad that is representative of not only Canberra but the surrounding region,” he said.
It’s got a balance of experience from last year and a couple of over-age players who I believe will add value to the squad.
“And also, some exciting young talent in Zac Barbatano and Nikola Jadric who I believe are rising stars.”
“We have provided opportunities to some players from outside the local competition who I believe are good enough to compete effectively in the NYL.
“I believe the Wolves boys will provide the squad with strength and balance. It’s a credit to the environment Canberra United has created that these players want to be part of the set-up.
Foxtel Y-League 2018/19 Canberra United squad |
Finn Jurak (Belconnen United), Lucas Mauragis (Belconnen United), Nikola Jadric (Belconnen United), James Fletcher (Gungahlin United), Ben Obst (Gungahlin United), Antoni Timotheou (Gungahlin United), Zac Barbatano (Gungahlin United), Lachlan Griffiths (Gungahlin United), Tony Spaseski (Tigers FC), Nik Popovich (Canberra Olympic), Jakeb Wiseman (Tuggeranong United), Conor Nolan (Tuggeranong United), Josh Gulevski (Western Sydney Wanderers), Brodie Clarkson (Wollongong Wolves), Jarrad Wiley (Wollongong Wolves), James Carli (Wollongong Wolves), Bul Juach (Wollongong Wolves)
United open their season at home to the Central Coast Mariners this Saturday evening.
Match Details |
Canberra United v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, 10th November
Foxtel Y-League Round one
Deakin Stadium, Deakin
Kick-off: 6:30pm AEDT
Follow the game on Twitter: #CBRvCCM
