By ADEM SARICAOGLU
ALTONA has added two new imports to its squad ahead of Hockey Victoria’s Premier League opener against Footscray next week.
Dutchman Niels De Jong has come on board while UK junior world cup representative and goalkeeper Tom Pinnegar will offset the departure of last year’s stopper, Ben Oborne.
The Seagulls have also retained the services of UK midfielder Chris Porter – back for his second year in the gold and blue.
“It’s great to have an under-21 junior world cup goalkeeper (Pinnegar) coming to the club, which will also add to the culture of what is already there with our young group,” Altona coach Ben Guy told Star.
“We’re in a really good position at this point in time.
“Niels De Jong is a striker who’s pretty exciting. He’s been with us now for three weeks and Chris Porter has come back for a second season, so our midfield line’s very strong.
“We’re working hard to get our striker-line up to standard, but the rest of the guys are pretty handy.”
The Seagulls landed in ninth position after a slightly disappointing 2013 Premier League campaign that yielded seven wins and six draws from 22 starts.
This time around, Guy, who hopes to lead a healthier squad that has been toiling away since November, said the focus of the pre-season was centred on “fitness and core basic skills”.
“It’s a continuation from last year,” Guy said.
“Unfortunately, we did have a lot of draws and we were really ravaged by the injuries in 2013. We did have weeks where we had up to 18 players unavailable either through injury or other minor unavailabilities.
“So I guess, it’s about stabilising the core group and making sure they’re managed correctly and fit enough to compete week in week out.”
Altona’s new season will kick off with a home local derby against the Bulldogs on Saturday week.
