For Mill Park, this season isn’t about winning the championship; it’s about gaining respect in FFV state league 4 north.
After going through last season unbeaten in state league 5 north and losing only three games the season before, Mill Park has become accustomed to winning.
But president Jack Kyriacou says this season presents a new challenge.
“We’ve gone up a division and are sitting mid-table,” Kyriacou said.
“It’s been a bit of a reality check after winning so many games in a row, but we knew it wasn’t going to be like last year.
“We want to consolidate and show the other sides we aren’t mucking around.”
Kyriacou believes Mill Park, sitting eighth on the table with two wins, four draws and three losses, is already getting the respect it wants from other sides in the division.
Its most recent result was a 3-1 loss to FC Strathmore on Saturday. “We want to make sure we’re a force but also respectful of who we’re playing,” Kyriacou said.
“We want to finish somewhere we can use as a base to go up a division.
“Some players have thrived at taking the next step, while others have had a reality check on what’s needed at this level.
“If we finish top four we’d be where we want to be.”
It’s a good sign for the club that it has managed to hold on to most of its players from last season while new players have signed up.
“We didn’t go out and recruit, but two or three players came here and they’ve fitted in well,” Kyriacou said.
In the same division, top-of-the-table Epping City remains unbeaten after thrashing Watsonia Heights 7-1.
Plenty Valley won 4-3 over Marcellin Old Collegians, while Bundoora United lost 3-0 to Boroondara Eagles Carey. In state league 2 north-west, Sporting Whittlesea drew 1-1 with Sunbury United, while Hume United was thrashed 4-0 by Hoppers Crossing.
Upfield had a 4-0 win over Darebin United in state league 3 north-west to stay in touch with the ladder leaders.
Whittlesea United continued its good form with a 3-2 win over La Trobe University, while Lalor United lost 4-2 to Williamstown.
In state league 5 north. Greenvale United was among the winners.
