Round One see's some potentially cracking match ups in the revamped eight-team league. Here's FourFourTwo's guide to the opening weekend of the season.

 

Edgeworth Eagles v Broadmeadow Magic (Friday 8.30pm, Jack McLaughlan Oval)   

One of this seasons title favourites Edgeworth play host to last seasons champions Broadmeadow Magic tonight. Both clubs have been busy in the summer transfer market and will put out markedly different sides in 2009. For their part, Edgeworth have recruited strongly adding ex-NSL player Sean Babic, Newcastle Jets youth player Taylor Regan and the very capable Corey Fletcher to their squad, amongst others. Broadmeadow have lost the deadly strike duo of Peter Haynes and Joel Wood to A-League outfit Newcastle Jets, and whilst they have brought in two Jets youth players in Ben Martin and Adrian Karakolevski in an attempt to fill the void, the side doesn't look as potent in 2009.

Prediction: Edgeworth

 

Weston Workers Bears FC v West Wallsend (Saturday 6pm, Thomas and Coffey Park)

The Bears are celebrating an "Old Boys" day at Thomas and Coffey Park for Round One of the season and will be looking to get off to a flyer. Ex-Bear Luke Walker returns to the squad this year whilst Tyson Fletcher has joined from Hamilton Olympic. The Bears have retained all of their top players, including last season's Northern NSW player of the year, Rhys Tippett. West Wallsend have gone through a transition phase with Chris Miner taking control of first grade. The Bluebells have an extremely youthful squad which bodes well for the future, but they're unlikely to have the experience to beat a dangerous Bears side in this one.

Prediction: Weston Workers Bears FC

 

Hamilton Olympic v Toronto Awaba (Saturday 7pm, Darling Street Oval)

Always there or there about, season 2009 will be no different for Hamilton Olympic. Such is the squad depth at Darling Street Oval, the club released ex-Sydney FC player Matt Bingley during the preseason. The Warriors have however added the underrated Hakkan Canli to their squad whilst Jon Griffiths from Jets youth has also signed on. Toronto Awaba are pinning their 2009 hopes on the firepower of ex-Perth Glory striker Shane Crampton, who has joined the club from Mandurah City. In four trials, the marksman has netted ten goals, but take him out of the team though and it's hard to see where the goals will come from for the Stags in this one, and this year.

Prediction: Hamilton Olympic

 

Valentine Phoenix v South Cardiff Gunners (Sunday 2.30pm, Cahill Oval)

Valentine have lost a host of players over the off season and have replaced them largely with players from demoted outfit Azzurri FC. Phoenix finished fifth last season with one of the best playing rosters in the league and coach Mick Bolch will be expecting nothing less than a top four finish this time round. South Cardiff is another side in the league that's looking to rebuild in 2009. They've got a new coach in Steve Piggott however look a little too experienced to impact upon the league this season.

Prediction: Valentine Phoenix

 

Picture: Duncan Nisbet