MORELAND LEADER NEWS | CONFIDENT RAMS TO BE A FORCE

PASCOE Vale is optimistic about building on its barnstorming run to last year’s National Premier League semi-finals over the coming season.

The Rams pushed South Melbourne to extra time during the 2015 finals series, demonstrating they can take it up to the NPL’s powerhouse clubs.

Pascoe Vale captain Joseph Youssef said the club would be out to prove its title bid was no fluke in 2016.

“Looking at the squad, the way we’ve been playing, the personnel and the team unity, it’s the best it’s been since I’ve been at the club,” Youssef said.

“There’s quality everywhere.”

Stability will be pivotal to the Rams’ cause, with few changes made to Vitale Ferrante’s first-team squad over the off-season.

Wing-back Jake Halliday and second-choice goalkeeper Dennys Martin have departed Hosken Reserve, but Pascoe Vale has managed to add a touch of class to its front third.

Luka Prelevic (Melbourne City) and Yusei Kitade (Japan) will offer Ferrante extra weapons in attack after linking up with the club.

Youssef said Kitade, from Japan National University Football Select, had underlined his quality throughout pre-season.

“From seeing him in the first couple of sessions and the games we’ve played, technically, he’s just on point,” he said.

“He’s always (playing) two-touch football, which is what they practise in Japan very thoroughly.

“In a league that’s so fast-paced, moving the ball early is always a bonus. I’m sure he’ll do well in that regard.”

He said those who considered the Rams underdogs last year were unlikely to underestimate them again.

“I think we made a real statement last year,” he said.

“We’re intending on improving on it. Anyone who takes us lightly, it’s going to be to their downfall, I’m hoping.”

Pascoe Vale starts its 2016 campaign against Avondale FC at CB Smith Reserve on Friday, at 8.15pm.

Moreland Zebras travel to Ballarat for their season opener in NPL2 West on Saturday, while Moreland City starts its centenary year away from home to Sunshine George Cross.

In NPL2 East, Brunswick City tackles Eastern Lions at Dunstan Reserve.

Updated 11:29 - 15 Feb 2016 by PASCOE VALE FOOTBALL CLUB