Hilton eyes top return
VETERAN defender Levi Hilton has not given up hope of a Premier League return in 2019 as Burleigh battle to overcome an exodus of backline talent.
Having already lost defenders Kazuma Kobayashi (Brisbane Strikers) and Reece Hills (Capalaba) and keeper Griffin Bambach (Gold Coast United) from the squad that reached this year’s semi final, the Bulldogs will be forced into a major reshuffle when they kick off preparations for the 2019 campaign in the coming weeks.
Hilton, who will turn 36 in February, has been sidelined with a hip complaint since the end of 2017, prompting him to take the coaching reins at Murwillumbah this year.
But with a burning desire to return to playing, the former Merrimac, Murwillumbah and Palm Beach hardman is hopeful of reviving his career alongside brother Matt at Burleigh.
With his injury still lingering, Hilton has so far agreed to an off-field role under coach Colin Phelan but is refusing to give up on a resurrection.
“I haven’t really spoken to Phelo about the playing side of things, it’s just on a coaching level at the moment. (But) he knows I’m going to try to get back on the pitch,” Hilton said.
“But I’m happy to make my way back through ressies and get my body right. I’m so far off the pace at the moment and I’ve put a bit of beef on too.”
Burleigh and Palm Beach are the most recent clubs to have lost key players from their 2018 campaign.
The departing goalkeeper Griffin Bambach (Burleigh) and Jason Campbell (Palm Beach) will be big losses.
With the lack of keepers around Phelo will be looking to replace the team of the year keeper quickly. As for the Sharks, could this be the beginning of the end for a young squad?
A number of grounds are on the mend with council allocating a lot of money to improving the state of fields.
This should be the start of a push to improve facilities. We need a facelift with most of Premier League facilities 10-15 years behind the times.
FGC have been talking of a new home for a number of years with no luck. The simple answer of if FGC need a home is yes – but what that home consists of facility-wise and how to generate income from a facility like that is unknown.
Do you compete with futsal for small-sided regular games or focus on being a premier facility for visitors?
The GCPL and CL1 leagues have lacked quality for years. This may be because of pay being available at only certain clubs. Maybe we just don’t have the talent coming in?