The 2022 Men’s State League gets under way this Saturday with one club’s promotion ambitions carrying extra significance.
Olympic Kingsway go into the season as one of maybe half-a-dozen teams with a realistic chance of taking the title.
The Night Series finalists have made no secret that reaching the NPL is the aim. This aspiration has seen 2021 Golden Boot winner Ciaran Byrne arrive from rivals Western Knights.
And if Byrne and his colleagues get Olympic firing in the Round One encounter with Mandurah City, then their goals could benefit more than the club.
Olympic this week launched the Goals for Danny initiative to assist their former striker Danny Hodgson in his recovery from injuries suffered in an unprovoked assault last September. Hodgson left hospital only this month and requires ongoing medical care.
An article on the club website explains how Goals for Danny will work and how people can get involved. In essence, individuals and companies are invited to raise funds by pledging money for every league goal Olympic score at the northern end of Kingsway Reserve this season.
President Steve Nelkovski said: "We’d love to see the stands packed on game day with the local community cheering Goals for Danny.
"It breaks our hearts to see Danny in hospital. Danny will need ongoing support for years to come and this fundraising initiative is open to anyone all over the world.”
For more information on Goals for Danny and to sign up, click HERE.
Opponents Mandurah boast last season’s Division One Player of the Year John Baird. They have also recruited midfielder Hamish Van Dieken, who provided some of the few highlights for Rockingham City in their relegation season from the NPL 12 months ago.
Kingsway and Mandurah had contrasting results in the Australia Cup last weekend. While Olympic were losing at home to Division Two side Gosnells City, Mandurah were racking up double figures against Amateur Division Three outfit Yanchep United.
In Saturday’s other 3pm kick-offs in Division One, Rockingham begin their bid to return to the top flight at Night Series winners Murdoch University Melville, Western Knights will look to replace the goals of Byrne starting with the visit of Quinns, while Fremantle City take on UWA Nedlands.
There are also two matches starting at 5pm. Second division champions Dianella White Eagles are at home to Subiaco, and Forrestfield United host Joondalup City.
In Division Two, 2021 Belt Up Amateur Premier champions South West Phoenix begin life back in the State League at Curtin University. Wanneroo City, Australia Cup winners at Carramar Shamrock Rovers last week, host Joondalup City, while Rovers are at home to Canning City.
Gosnells, fresh from their victory over Kingsway, visit relegated Ashfield, Swan United host Kingsley Westside while Morley Windmills are at home to Balga in a 6pm start.
Filed Under: Community News , Men's State League