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I don't really like to see money splashed around

- Ethan Olner

LINDSAY MILLINGTON

• Born: Hobart
• Age: 28
• Job: Firefighter
• Clubs: Glenorchy Knights, University, Devonport, Launceston City

How has the season gone so far?

Probably not to plan. We were expecting to be challenging for the top four consistently. But at the start of the season we performed poorly and now we're chasing our tails to get back up there.

And for you personally?

A reflection of the team unfortunately. Another tale of inconsistency and not going to plan. It was my first game back last week after six weeks off with a knee injury.

Highlight?

The last few weeks. The team's really coming together and we're seeing a positive impact in our games and a winning mentality coming back. The last three games have been really solid team performances.

Lowlight?

Getting knocked out of the cup to University at home in the early stages was disappointing. When you have a poor start to the season if you're still in the cup at least you've still got something to hang on to.

What do you like about playing for City?

The team culture, the people around the club, the atmosphere and the players make it a really enjoyable team to play in.

Which of your teammates has the most potential?

Noah Mies. He's a really solid part of the team up top and has a capacity of turning games without notice. He's a lethal player to have in the team and he's still young. In my opinion, he can go to any NPL league in Australia if not beyond.

Describe Lino Sciulli's coaching style?

He expresses the simple things well and is straight down the line so you know what you're going to get.

What has he done for you personally?

Stabilised the team from where we were at the start of the season. We started a bit later than others so took longer to get results.

Who is the most annoying teammate in the dressing room?

Our resident DJ Matty Oh for his poor music selection pre-game.

What is the biggest challenge facing Tasmanian soccer?

Having a quality league. We want to be having a good mix of whether it is eight, nine or 10 teams all fighting for points and that was probably more evident last year than this year. We need to focus on elite quality to get it right.

What, if anything, would you change about the statewide league?

From a club perspective, clearer communications especially over the process of relegation and promotion. It's still not clear what's going to happen. That would make a more healthy competition for all teams.

Which player outside your first team will we be writing about next season?

Will Compagne has been on our bench for the last couple of games so is really new to the NPL scene but will definitely come on in the next couple of years. He has a good football mind and on-field attitude.

ETHAN OLNER

• Born: Burton-upon-Trent, England
• Age: 28
• Job: Software designer
• Clubs: Launceston United, Riverside Olympic

How has the season gone so far?

Up and down. Round 1 was awful and a poor start conceding a lot of goals while not scoring many but we've changed the way we play with a bit more success and are becoming more competitive.

And for you personally?

I'm feeling a bit old. But it's going okay. Players in the NPL are a lot faster than I've been used to but I'm feeling okay with the step up.

Highlight?

Beating Launceston City at their place. It was a good night for us and good to get that early win.

Lowlight?

Losing to Launnie City at home when we had been on top. Plus the hammering that Zebras gave us earlier in the season.

What do you like about playing for Olympic?

The club culture is the best I've ever known. The guys are fantastic and it's a really supportive club. They look after their young players and it's just a great environment.

Which of your teammates has the most potential?

Liam Gilmore is going to be a superstar when he gets older. His temperament on the ball is very good and he has great vision of where the ball needs to go. I also see Jasper King and Will Humphrey becoming future stars of Riverside.

Describe Alex Gaetani's coaching style?

He's a really good coach. His drills are excellent and all about trying to play the way he wants. Every drill has a purpose which keeps them engaging and keeps us heading in a particular direction which is excellent.

What has he done for you personally?

He got me to play which I wasn't going to do at first. He always wants to make the team play the right way, which is what I like. He wants you to improve week on week which I want to do, even at my age.

Who is the most annoying teammate in the dressing room?

Rhys Kinslow. He's annoying, but in a funny way. And also for his taste in music. The rest of the team seem to like it, but I don't.

What is the biggest challenge facing Tasmanian soccer?

The amount of money some clubs are spending on players. This is still an amateur competition so I don't really like to see money splashed around. The biggest thing for me is to get kids trained up correctly from a young age. I went through Northern rep and state teams and the TIS and learned more about game awareness and tactics. I'm not sure what's going on with all that at the moment and if it can be approved at club and state level. At Riverside I feel we are going in the right direction having Alan Eadie as a technical director influencing the way we coach our juniors.

What, if anything, would you change about the statewide league?

It's tough on the Northern clubs because there are fewer here and I feel sorry for the amount of travelling that Devonport have to do. I'm not sure on the amount of clubs. I've seen arguments for an eight or seven-team competition but it's about getting people who want to play NPL. I know plenty who don't want to because of the travel and I'm not sure how you solve that.

Which player outside your first team will we be writing about next season?

Aaron Kidmas is showing incredible skill and talent. He has a lot of potential. He is playing like someone who is 10 years older than he is so he has a great future ahead.