AJFC2018

ABBOTSFORD JUNIORS FOOTBALL CLUB
2018 YEARBOOK
OVER 45/2
Having won the Championship in 2017 and now
promoted to Div 2, this year started with much
promise and excitement. Led ably by John
Calcara and with the return of two quality
players, Damiano Nigro and Emmanuel Ziino,
the team was feeling very buoyant. However,
the year could not have started any worse, with
a Bye and three losses to have us behind the
eight ball all year.
The hangover from last year’s celebrations was
finally over by round 9 and with some
purposeful training sessions we managed to
muster some great wins over the quality teams
in the competition. This was highlighted by our
7-1, 4 -1, 4 - 3 victories over top 4 teams. Our
problem was our inconsistency and our narrow
defeats by solitary goals, which ultimately cost
us a semi-final berth.
The team had some purple patches this season
with some outstanding starts to games. We
managed to start games on fire shown by our 4-
0 start over Ashfield Pirates by the 18th minute
and a 3-0 start over Belmore after only 10
minutes. However, games are 90 minutes, and
this will be an area which we will need to rectify
for next season.
Some memorable moments throughout the
year include Peter Biviano’s overhead scissors
kick at Pratten Park (ala. Gareth Bale) and his
classy outside flick goals as well as his set piece
rocket verses Inter Lions. Roger Vertannes’
world class hat-trick verses Leichhardt Tigers
was also very special and will live long in our
memories. This particular match was our most
gutsy performance of the year. In a must-win
game against a highly favoured team, we had
our backs against the wall with no substitutes,
yet showed loads of character and won in a
thriller.
Tony Cittadino’s tireless work in the middle and
his many goals and assists was another feature
of the season. Tony Mura, at attacking MF, also
showed his class with an ability to hold and
change the tempo of the game, whenever
needed. Gino Pitronaci (‘the train’) and Rolando
(‘Ronaldo’) Serdoz, had solid seasons while
David Harding and Nick Kalimeris are still
pressing for that title of ‘super sub’.
Emmanuel Diamantis and Ossie Pisanu had
limited opportunities due to operations early in
the season but showed great support for the
team. Tony Oliviera, Mel Cassisi, Tony Giunta
and John Cistulli deserve a mention for their
effort, durability and strong work ethic in
playing most minutes in every game this season
.... a monumental feat in this age group! There
were a few controversies throughout the year
but in the main a good, fun year was had by all!!
John Cistulli, Team Manager
76 | P age