With the Steeline Limestone Coast Football Association Premiership trophy absent from Casadio Park for the first time in half a decade, the fire is burning strong and one man hopes to bring glory back to Inter.
Having shared coaching duties with Lou Zaccardo, Vlada Gajic takes full control of International’s Senior men’s team with a strong group around him.
Zaccardo remains on board as Reserves coach, while Tony Bueti and Robert Vorwerk are both assistants to complete a four-person coaching panel to lead the back and blue.
Gajic said his appointment to becoming the main man was evolution from last year’s setup which replaced stalwart Tony D’Agostino and wants to bring the juniors along for the ride.
“This is where we were heading towards and Lou and I did it together last year because I had not experienced first-team coaching before,” he said.
“Last year prepared us in terms of working out how we played on game day and at trainings in the background, so we have done that and now I want to take it forward.
“I am also the Under 17’s coach, so it goes hand in hand because we want the junior to senior transition happening to help the next generation.
“We want them playing with the same philosophy to create some depth. Lou will coach the reserves and also assist me, so we have a good team of four.”
One of Gajic’s first items on his to-do list will be finding replacements for two of the club’s brightest young stars.
Talented midfielders Connor Prior and Austin Rossi have headed up the highway to Adelaide to take their sporting careers to the next level which opens two spots in the starting XI.
Inter has just kicked preseason into top gear following a Christmas break and a social seven-a-side tournament.
It may be early days, but Gajic likes what he sees.
“We did our first session last week, but have played a social seven-a-side competition since December,” he said.
“They are small games which make a lot of scene and create more pressure when you get the ball.
“It is always a great way to start the season and work on their techniques.
“It is exciting at Inter at the moment because we have managed to get a wonderful facility planned to be built through lots of work behind the scenes from our club and sponsors.
“We will get better lights and utilise both of our pitches which proved really successful on Grand Final day with everyone there, so hopefully things keep improving every year.”
Despite taking home the minor premiership, 2021 was a disappointment for International going from the flag favourite to bowing out of the finals in straight sets, but Gajic said there was plenty of positives to take from the season once rivalries resume.
“We were minor premiers and topped the table as the best team in the league, but things did not go for us in the finals series,” he said.
“It is still sour and the boys have taken it to heart, so we are seeing a little bit more determination.
“They want to create more opportunities, improve their technical abilities and fitness. It was an awakening for them.”
