By Tara Murray
Westside Strikers could not have predicted their success in their first season in FFV.
On paper, they thought they had a strong side and would be competitive in state league west 5, but no one could have forseen a title and promotion.
The Strikers lost just one game for the season and sealed the title several weeks ago.
Strikers president Sam Raniolo said the experience has been unbelievable.
“I don’t think we’ve stopped partying the last few weeks,” he joked.
“We thought we would have a good chance, but we didn’t think it would happen like this.
“I don’t think anyone expected us to do as well as we did with a brand new side.
“We lost just one game, no one expected that.”
With the title sewn up, the Strikers gave other players the opportunity to play in the top side in recent weeks.
Raniolo said despite the relaxed atmosphere, the playing group was keen to continue winning.
“It was good to give the younger guys a taste of senior football,” he said.
“We had a 17-year-old playing in the seniors on Saturday. It’s a good sign for the future.”
The Strikers finished the season on Saturday with a 4-3 win against the Deakin Ducks.
With the title and promotion already sewn up the Strikers have one more goal this season, to take out the overall state league 5 title.
State league 5 finals start this week.
“As a president [at other clubs], that’s one thing I’ve never done, is win the overall championship,” Raniolo said.
“A few guys who have had injuries have been rested and are primed for it.”
Raniolo said they were already preparing for next season in state league 4 west.
He said the team knows the step up will be a challenge.
“I don’t want to be making up the numbers. We want to keep that winning feeling and we’ll be looking to recruit a few more players.”
In other FFV news:
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/north-sunshines-stylish-finish-points-the-way-for-a-classy-future/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/twice-as-nice-for-whittlesea-united/
