Lalor United was able to hold up to the pressure to seal the FV state league 2 north-west championship.
Despite some challenges on and off the field throughout the season, including a coaching change, Lalor was able to secure the title with two rounds remaining.
Lalor’s Tony Josevski said it was a pretty special moment for the club.
“We were really under a bit of pressure being at the top all year,” he said. “We did a great job of managing that and we will enjoy one more match.
“To achieve what we have achieved we could not be happier for the committee, sponsors, supporters and the players.”
Lalor sealed the championship with a win against Altona East Phoenix in a battle of the top two teams in the third last round.
The 3-0 gave Lalor the championship and the opportunity to celebrate in front of its home crowd.
“The club is heading in a really good direction and it was quite awesome and there’s a lot of time to enjoy it.
“The reaction was really good from everyone and there was a big home crowd as well which was terrific.”
Lalor dropped its match to Western Eagles on the weekend, but Josevski said they were already looking ahead to next season and beyond.
“We’ve given some of the young kids a run and are already starting to prepare for next year,” he said.
Lalor will finish its season on Saturday against Craigieburn City.
The club will also play off for the overall state league 2 title, with Josevski saying they would give it a red hot crack.
Next season Lalor United will be in state league 1 for the first time in more than 20 years.
“It is a massive achievement for the club,” Josevski said. “We are quite confident that we can still go up another division.”
