2022 ALBANVALE PREVIEW

After the past two seasons have been interrupted by lockdowns and COVID interruptions, Albanvale co-coach Dean Formosa says he is excited to finally be back playing.

The Alan Mance Motors Division 3 competition begins this Saturday, with the Cobras ready to fire in 2022.

This season, the club will have co-coaches, with Formosa stepping up to work with Andrew Bryson as they coach the senior side.

“We are definitely excited footy is back, it has been a really hard two years for not only our players but our supporters as well,” Formosa said.

“Footy clubs are like a community, and we all rely on one another. We all like to get to the footy on the weekend and catch-up with one another.”

Before the 2021 season was cut short, Albanvale was in second spot, having won seven of their eight games.

“The focus of pre-season has mainly been to enjoy every moment – live in the moment – and to enjoy being back together again and then to try and improve week-on-week and be better,” he said.

“As a club we expect to be playing finals and going deep into the finals series.”

The Cobras first game of 2022 is against Tarneit at Wootten Road Reserve on Saturday.

“Excited to play Tarneit, they’re a bit of an unknown to us,” Formosa said.

“We have heard they have lost a few players, but they have a respected coach in Brent Sheean, so it will be an interesting game, a really good match-up, so we are excited.”