Tara Murray
Three seasons of hard work has resulted in a second championship in as many years for Caroline Springs George Cross.
The Georgies were the dominant side in the FV state league 1 north-west competition before COVID-19 ended the season early in 2021.
They backed it up last year claiming the title and promotion into the National Premier League 3 competition for this season.
On Saturday, having already secured promotion into NPL2 for next year, the Georgies claimed the title with one round remaining.
Coach Eric Vasiliadis said it had been a remarkable feat for the club.
“It is pretty cool,” he said. “Obviously it is pretty special.
“I was reliving it the other day.. You had the COVID season, so it’s been almost three seasons in a row that we have been winning games of footy of bringing happiness to the community.
“It has been a wonderful journey.”
The Georgies secured the championship in stunning fashion on the road against Ballarat City on Saturday afternoon.
The Georgies led 1-0 at half time after Josh Whiteley scored to put his side ahead.
Ballarat, which is seeking survival in the competition, was able to level the scores.
The game was headed for a draw with neither team able to find a second goal in regular time.
Enter Whiteley again to be the hero.
“It was immense circumstances,” Vasiliadis said. “We were missing four or five guys that have played a lot of football for us.
“To win in the 93rd minute is truly special. We try to think positive and control what you can control.
“The last five to 10 minutes we took into account the ladder and the risk-reward factor and we rolled the dice with five minutes to go.
“We only had three defenders on the field… Josh Whiteley capped it off with a goal in the last minute.”
The win was the Georgies 14th in a row and their 16th for the season, to have them on 49 points heading into the final round.
Vasiliadis said they couldn’t have imagined this type of season at the start of the year.
“We controlled the controllables and we are so happy,” he said. “Every team comes out and tries and wants to achieve this
“We were able to shrug off challenge after challenge and stay disciplined and stay together and we went on a roll.
“We will enjoy it, but I wouldn’t mind going back-to-back-to-back, that sounds pretty cool, but we’ll worry about it later on.”
The Georgies finish off their season on Saturday at home against Essendon Royals.
The Royals, who were also promoted with the Georgies this season, have done enough to stay in NPL3 for next year.
Vasiliadis said this match was a really good opportunity to pay tribute to their supporters and the local community for their support.
“We just want to enjoy it,” he said. “You’re not often in these situations.
“You have to celebrate the good times.”
