It’s been a perfect start for Westside Strikers in FFV state league 5 west.
Fielding a senior men’s team for the first time, the Strikers have won their first four games and stunned some other highly-rated teams.
Strikers president Sam Raniolo said they hadn’t really expected their start to the season.
“We knew it would be pretty tough with a brand new team,” he said.
“The guys have gelled pretty well so far, but there’s still a long time to go.
“We had a tough game against Moonee Valley who were also undefeated. We know what to expect now … we have to keep playing the way we have been.”
Raniolo said the key to the strong start had been the way the team had gelled together.
He said there had been an even spread of contributors not only on the scoreboard, but across all four games.
With such a good start to the season, Raniolo said they had changed their expectations for the season.
“I don’t think you’ll see the best of this team until round six or seven,” he said.
“We don’t just want to make up the numbers, we want to make the best of a good start.
“We would love to earn promotion in our first season.
“The boys are very keen and have started well and it’s in their hands now.
“They can’t let up and they know they have to keep going.”
The Strikers had a bye at the weekend, and this week face Melton Phoenix.
Raniolo said the bye came at a perfect time for them.
“We have a few injuries and the extra week will help them.
“We started training in January, so it’s been a long pre-season.
“The bye will give us a break.”
Melton Phoenix comes into the match on the back of a 1-0 loss to Moonee Valley Knights on Saturday.
The Phoenix sit 10th after five rounds with one win.
In state league 4 west, Spring Hills defeated North Melbourne Athletic 2-0. The Stallions sit in third place on the ladder with three wins and a draw.
This week Spring Hills meet Surf Coast away.
Tara Murray
