Tara Murray
Caroline Springs George Cross knows it can’t get complacent in the National Premier League 3 competition, having made it 10 wins in a row.
The Georgies are the form team of the close competition with their winning streak, with the side now just one point off top having played one less game.
Coach Eric Vassiliadis said while 10 in a row is a significant milestone, it’s only part of the bigger picture.
“It’s a wonderful side show to the main focus of the season,” he said.
“It’s been a tough season and we got off to a slow start and had no choice by to work hard to recover and try and get something out of the season,
“We don’t know where it will end, but we’re in a good place. It’ll be a massive challenge.”
Vassiliadis said for the group they were just focused on working hard and making sure they did everything they could to finish as high as they could.
He said there was some unknown over how many teams might be promoted at the end of the season.
“I think FV changed the rules on us this week,” he said. “Only the top two go up and there’s no second chance for third and fourth.
“It changes the dynamic of the league. The ladder tells us it is really close and it can all change quickly.
“If there’s the chance of something, we need to work hard, as it doesn’t come naturally.”
Vassiliadis said the whole mentality of the squad had been really good and while there can be fatigue at this time of the year, his group were mentally strong and starting to hit their straps.
On Saturday, the Georgies came away with a 4-1 win against the third-placed Goulburn Valley Suns, after leading 2-1 at the break.
They scored twice in the second half to seal the win. Josh Whiteley scored in both halves, while Dan Bramall and Lochie Reus were the other goal scorers.
Vassiliadis said the match for them was a ‘six-pointer’.
“It was an amazing performance,” he said. “We knew we would be up against an aggressive team coming off a mid week cup game.
“We thought they might fatigue in the second half and they did. It was a big game for us and I’m super excited for the group to put in a performance like that.
“Hopefully it will help us reach a second milestone.”
The Georgies are on the road the next four rounds, starting with Beaumaris this week. Beaumaris sits ninth on the ladder.
Vassiliadis said they would each bring unique challenges, which Beaumaris’ ground one of the biggest challenges.
“Making sure no one gets complacent, that’s the most important thing for us.”
Meanwhile, in FV state league 3 north-west, the Westside Strikers lost to Craigieburn City, 3-1.
Melton Phoenix had a 6-4 win against Wyndham in the state league 5 west competition.
