Time to mix things up

Warriors to get more opportunities in FFA cup clash

NORTH Geelong Warriors coach Luciano Trani will get a better look at his side’s depth when they take on Langwarrin in today’s FFA cup clash.

Trani will use the knockout tournament fixture to gain further insight into the club’s tactics and formation when they turn their attention back to NPL2 league matches next week.

After a six-week block of games featuring a similar starting squad, Trani said his side had been “very consistent” but needed to give others some greater opportunities to see what they can do.

The Warriors will make four squad changes, the most so far this season, highlighted by the first 11 inclusion of 17year-old Thomas Hidic, who has been quite the spark as a substitute so far scoring two goals.

Midfielder Julian Cassano and vice-captain Marko Stevanja will also start in their first game this season, the latter being kept out through injury and the form of his replacement Hamish Flavell.

“We have seen Hamish play six games and he’s been solid,” Trani said. would be tough to cover, butwould give others the chance to stake their claim for future selection.

“He’s been very consistent and he’s a guy that is a midfielder who can get from box to box and he wins us duels that gives us opportunities to break out in the middle,” he said.

“The competition for places will need to continue to step up ... we are going to tinker with certain formations and learn what the group is capable of doing.

“As a journey, they can see if they play well. They might progress quickly into the firsts team with the number of games we have got because we have a small squad.

“Any young player who emerges out and shows good signs will definitely start.”

Jamie Noggler is an example of a young player who will get his chance to show Trani his strengths.

Noggler has been added to the squad after a string of goals in the under-20s competition and should get his opportunity as substitute against Langwarrin.

“He’s very positive, very direct,” Trani said.

“He’s got a great change of pace and has the ability to shoot on goal.”