mmg.com.au

Cobram Victory is gearing up for its premiership defence, as training kicks off for the 2013 season on Thursday night.

Victory has re-appointed Craig Carley for his third term as senior coach after leading Victory to its maiden senior premiership win last season with a massive 5-0 grand final win over Shepparton.

Victory president Tony Startari is pleased to have retained Carley’s services after the star striker transformed the club into a powerhouse side during his two years in charge — it also made the final six of the state knockout cup competition last season.

On the field Carley also proved his worth, scoring a massive 10 goals in Victory’s four finals matches on the way to lifting the cup.

Close friend and captain Adam Gatcum will again assist Carley.

Carley is determined to continue with last year’s standard and to push his side to win the ultimate prize once again.

Victory has also been boosted by many premiership players signing on again for the coming season, with only Matt Gray and Teon Haywood moving on.

Gray has been appointed as Shepparton’s new senior coach and Haywood has relocated.

Carley has some quality recruits lined up to cover his losses and firmly believes his side could be stronger than it was in 2012 — as long as his players gel like they did late last season.

Victory is scheduled to play a number of pre-season matches, with the first coming at the end of the month followed by visits from VPL champions Dandenong Thunder and also Green Gully.

Victory also has a match scheduled against Gold Coast champions Broadbeach United during February in a full-on pre-season campaign, including the club’s own knock-out cup in early March.

All other coaches and training for female and junior sides will be announced soon.

Senior men and reserves begin training this Thursday at St Joseph’s Primary School at 6.30pm.

Under-17 players are also asked to attend and new players are also welcome to come along.

●For more information, phone Craig Carley on 0439460456.