Onerahi's second-round defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Kaeo-Inter has proved the most surprising result of 2019 so far, Kaeo-Inter's Lee Rocque seen here with his eyes on the ball. Photo / File
Just as the women have started with a hiss and a roar, the Northland premier men's football competition has not been without its drama.
Below you will find analysis on the six teams in the local premier competition along with comments from coaches and player profiles so you know who might be making headlines in the weeks to come.
Kaeo-Inter FC
Coach: Stefano Virgili
2018 season finish: First (division 2)
2019 results:
R1: Won 1-0 vs Kerikeri Bay Builders
R2: Won 2-1 vs Onerahi Duder Construction
A back-to-back division two win record and an ambition to enhance Northland's premier football competition has seen the arrival of the Stefano Virgili-coached Kaeo-Inter in 2019.
After an upset win against Onerahi in the second round, Virgili's men announced their intentions to not just be a placeholder this season.
"We are hoping to add a competitive side to the competition and bring our type of playing and culture to the game, and if the results go our way it's just a bonus," Virgili said.
Leading figure: Alin Misescu (mid-fielder):
As a former second division player in Romania, Misescu will play a vital role in the team and has done so this season with the captain's armband.
"[Misescu] is just a much-needed worker in the middle of the park, he's strong in the air, he battles for the ball all the time and also off the field, he is contributing in big ways," Virgili said.
Emerging talent: Ryan Beard (defender):
Beard, a 24-year-old from Kaitaia, has played for the club for a couple of years, but Virgili said the young defender could be set for a big season in 2019.
"[Beard] is so versatile and he's such a worker, his attitude is superb, he can go under the radar a bit because he doesn't score all the goals, but I can see him growing each week."
Madhatters City Motors
Coach: Troy Langley
2018 season finish: New to the premier division
2019 results:
R1: Won 2-1 vs FC Whangārei
R2: Lost 2-3 vs Tikipunga Metalcraft Roofing
Another new team to the premier grade in 2019, Madhatters coach Troy Langley said his side wasn't in the competition just to make up the numbers and felt they had a good chance of taking the title.
"We're still finding our feet, we didn't get a lot of pre-season time together but we've got really talented guys, some of Northland's best players," he said.
Leading figure: Jason Teal (mid-fielder):
As one of the older heads in the team, Teal will be wearing the captain's armband this season which Langley said was a great asset to the team.
"[Teal] is just really good at controlling the ball and talking to the boys, he also helps a lot with practices because he knows the game so well."
Emerging talent: Reuben Nicholl (striker):
A striker with a mind for football is how coach Langley described his talented striker who could set the 2019 season alight.
"[Nicholl] has got legs on him so he runs all day, he's good on the ball but he's level-headed as well, you don't see him caught him in anything off the ball."
Onerahi Duder Construction
Coach: Grant Short
2018 season finish: First
2019 results:
R1: Won 6-1 vs Tikipunga Metalcraft Roofing
R2: Lost 1-2 vs Kaeo-Inter FC
Last year was a kind year to Onerahi as the club won both the men's and women's premier competitions. Coach Grant Short, who was at the helm of both campaigns, said his side were determined to make it two in a row.
"We've pretty much got the same core group of players which is really good when you look at other teams who have gone through big transitions," he said.
Leading figure: Mitch Hanmore (striker):
A victim of multiple injuries over the last couple of years, Mitch Hanmore is looking fitter and stronger than ever this year, according to coach Short.
"[Hanmore] is just so physically dominating, he's really hard to knock off the ball and he's still young which is a bonus," Short said.
Emerging talent: Cullem Morgan (mid-fielder):
Coming over to Onerahi from Central Brown a couple of years ago, Morgan has flourished in the new environment and Short said 2019 could be a good year for the young mid-fielder.
"[Morgan] is just a no-fuss footballer who looks to promote the ball and he's not afraid to be strong in the tackle."
Kerikeri Bay Builders
Coach: Steve White
2018 season finish: third
2019 results:
R1: Lost 0-1 vs Kaeo-Inter FC
R2: Drew 1-1 vs FC Whangārei
Steve White is new to the premier coaching scene, after spending 2018 with the reserve side, but with a new crop of players in 2019, he was confident his team could perform well.
"It's quite a new team so we are just getting the combinations together, which is just a time thing and every game we are building on it which is good."
Leading figure: Derek Fagan (defender):
As captain of Kerikeri this year, Fagan was charged with the task of pulling this new team together which White said would be no problem for the experienced defender.
"[Fagan] is really good with the team, he relates well to the young guys and the experienced players, he definitely gets a lot of respect from the team," White said.
Emerging talent: Sam Carpenter (defender):
Carpenter was in his first full season with the premier side this year and White hoped the defender's experience in reserve grade would help his development in 2019.
"[Carpenter] is really strong on the ball and positionally he plays well, I'm hoping he's going to be the rock in our defensive line in the years to come," White said.
FC Whangārei
Coach: Jim Brooks
2018 season finish: fifth
2019 results:
R1: Lost 1-2 vs Madhatters City Motors
R2: Drew 1-1 vs Kerikeri Bay Builders
After struggling in the first half of last year's season, FC Whangārei came back strong to finish the season well. Coach Jim Brooks hoped the team could continue this form into the early fixtures of 2019.
"The team culture is good, it always has been and that's good to nurture, but I think for me it's about looking at game plans and being a bit more diverse," Brooks said.
Leading figure: Jason Nair (defender):
An experienced player in the group, Nair will be a key figure for FC Whangārei in the games to come according to Brooks.
"On and off the field, [Nair] is a good organiser and he's one of the more vocal players who really motivates the team."
Emerging talent: Kaelyn Power (mid-fielder):
A young mid-fielder full of potential, Power was one player Brooks had pegged to be dominant this season.
"[Power] has got all-round ability, he's very quick and he has eyes for the goal which is important."
Tikipunga Metalcraft Roofing
Coach: Rob Geaney
2018 season finish: fourth
2019 results:
R1: Lost 1-6 vs Onerahi Duder Construction
R2: Won 3-2 vs Madhatters City Motors
Coach Rob Geaney's priority for 2019 was to keep developing the culture of Tikipunga's premier side and encourage the leaders in the group to stand up and lead the younger guys into a good season.
"We've come into this year with a new attitude and yes, results are the focus but behaviour on and off the field is important to the club," he said.
Leading figure: Mike Crowley (striker):
Geaney said Crowley's leadership skills this year would be invaluable to the club as they looked to improve upon a solid foundation.
"[Crowley] will lead this culture in the squad, he's taken on the challenge and stepped up to make the club a place where everyone wants to be."
Emerging talent: Sam Campbell (mid-fielder):
Making his debut for the premier side this year, Campbell was identified by Geaney as a promising young player coming up through the ranks who could be a defining figure in the Tikipunga line-up.
"[Campbell] is the first guy at training every week and the first to help anyone, he's very set on doing what he can for Tikipunga, which is a great attitude to have," Geaney said.
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