It was a day almost eight years in the making for Caroline Springs George Cross on Saturday.
The Georgies made their return to the National Premier League on Saturday after rising back through the ranks.
There was a big crowd at City Vista Recreation Reserve to see the Georgies face Bentleigh Greens, who had also been promoted after last season.
Georgies coach Eric Vassiliadis said their club and the supporter base had a lot to offer the NPL competition and it was a reward for all the work they’ve done to get back into the top flight.
“It was awesome,” he said. “It started for us almost eight years ago. It was surreal.
“We’ve still got a job to do but to see the community there it was wonderful.
“To have the community invested into the match day experience, we’re looking forward to many more days like that.”
On field, the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Vassiliadis said they would only be better for the run and the experience under that pressure.
“It was a game of two halves,” he said. “It was an arm wrestle and both sides were cagey in the first half.
“We edged them out in the first half but didn’t have that potent edge up forward.
“The second half was end-to-end and it could have gone either way. Both sides had to settle for a draw.”
Vassiliadis said it was disappointing not to walk away with the three points but they weren’t completely disappointed with the match.
“We will be stronger next week,” he said. “We’ll likely get a couple of boys black.
“Josh Whiteley will be back while Morgan Filer and Emmanuel Prifti will be a chance as well.
“The boys understand they have to win these games if we want to do something special.”
Vassiliadis said their squad was reasonably healthy to start the season and they had a deep squad with the amount of matches they have to play this year.
The Georgies will face Green Gully in round two on Friday night.
The Cavaliers lost 2-1 to Heidelberg United on Friday night.
Vassiliadis said this match was massive for the club.
“It’s the biggest individual game in the last 15 years,” he said. “It’s our Maltese derby.
“It’s a massive game for us to celebrate and enjoy.
“Green Gully put out a super performance against Heidelberg so it will be a massive challenge.
“We are 10 minutes from each other and hopefully our supporters will come out and support us.
“We will go as hard as we can.”
Meanwhile, Springs Hills had a 0-0 draw with Keilor Park to start the NPLW’s season on Friday night.
After the first round of the Dockerty Cup-Australia Cup competition, Melton Phoenix is through to the next round after Fortuna 60 forfeited.
Westside Strikers beat Mount Eliza, 1-0, to win through to the next round as well, while Spring Hills was knocked out of Yarra Jets, 6-1.
