Tara Murray
It’s a different challenge, but the same focus remains for Caroline Springs George Cross.
After earning promotion from state league 1 north-west following two years of hard work, the Georgies are back in the National Premier League competition, where they want to be.
The side will be in NPL3, the first time in the NPL since they were relegated from NPL2 west at the end of the 2018 season.
Coach Eric Vassiliadis said they were keen to test themselves back at the higher level.
“It’s an exciting time for us,” he said.
“There’s some new challenges and it will be a significantly different ball park. We’re pretty positive, it’s seven weeks to go before round one.
Vassiliadis said they know that they came off a pretty impressive season last year in state league 1 north-west.
He said they had freshened up the squad with some new faces and he said they were looking OK.
He said they believed they had the right personnel and balance in the squad.
“There’s that natural attrition,” he said. “Jake Wardle who played a big role in squad has joined Melbourne Victory’s NPL side.
“We’ve brought in some new international players and some local players to give some more support.”
Wardle said he was keeping the names of who they had signed close to his chest until the transfer window closes.
He said with the transfer window closing four weeks before the season starts, it’s another challenge they’re dealing with.
In a positive sign, the club is finding not only players, but coaches and sponsors are keen to get involved.
Having focused on promotion back into the NPL competitions, the club has had to reassess their goals.
Vassiliadis said they have three key performance indicators that they are looking at.
“Everyone is on the same page for the club,” he said.
“There’s a real edge at training and people want to grow the club. We’re not resting on our laurels, we want to push and go again.
“We want to continue to invest in infrastructure and our junior platform. We want to have a real foot in the door for the B-league and be in those conversations.
“And we want to ensure we have everything in place to be in a position to push for promotion.”
The Georgies start their season on March 18.
