Craigieburn City is enjoying the challenges that come with playing FFV state league 4 north.
After dominating state league 5 north last year, it was clear it needed a greater challenge and coach Michael Loche said the team was more than up to what this year would bring.
“We’re not shocked by the standard,” Loche said. “We’re not out of our depth.
“To be fair, we knew we were going to win games last season and that’s not what you want.”
City has started the season 2-1-1 despite not yet putting its best team on the park.
On Saturday it had a 3-1 win against Brunswick Zebras. Jordan Connerton scored twice, with skipper Taner Altanhan scoring the other goal
Loche said they had shown they would be competitive this season.
“The Lalor draw was a fair result and against West Preston we were unlucky not to get the win. We just need to put our chances away. We’re pretty content with the start to state league 4.”
City has a similar squad to last season.
Sean Millington, Mertkan Ilhan, Alisan Demir and Nick Slaveski are among the additions.
Goalscoring machine Connerton will again be one to watch. He scored 55 goals in the past season and already has eight in four games this year.
Loche said barring any new injuries and suspensions, City was looking to have its full team playing in two to three weeks and was aiming to be in the top half of the competition.
“We’ve improved from last season,” he said. “They’re used to the methods, culture and expectations and we’re looking forward to this year.”
In a big boost for the club, it is likely to move into its new facility within weeks.
In other results, Lalor United won 5-2 against Watsonia, while Greenvale United defeated Plenty Valley Lions 4-3.
In state league 2 north-west, Mill Park, Hume United and Whittlesea United all had wins.
