By Tara Murray
It’s a new look Lalor United on and off the field with things getting off to a strong state in the FV state league 2 north-west competition.
The club has made a lot of changes in the past six months to a year with a lot of new faces joining the committee and on field.
Coach John Sapazovski said it had been a really positive start to the season. Sapazovski took on coaching the senior side part way through last season and has continued on.
“It was something that I always wanted to do, in terms of being a senior coach and taking the role,” he said.
“I was fortunate enough that I got the last six games of last season and we finished with a bit of positivity.
“I think the club’s intention was to always offer me the role and it was up to me if I wanted it. With all the changes off field, able to sign a whole new squad and team.
“It has made things a whole lot easier, the transition.
Sapazovski said he thought having signed some experienced players they were hoping that they would settle into the season quickly.
He said he was a big room in changeroom culture and the group had bought in.
“We had a really big pre-season from October,” he said. “We had a training camp away which helped the boys bond and gel.
“The changeroom atmosphere among the boys is really good and really positive and it has made it easier to manage.”
Sapazovski said for the club their focus was on the whole senior program, not just the seniors. The club’s reserves have two wins after the opening four rounds.
”We are all representing the club,” he said. “We are one club.
“Previously being the reserves coach at the club… I’ve always a believer, one team, one club. That should be the mentality and it keeps the club united and gives the reserves boys an opportunity to aim high.
“They’re not seen as here making up the numbers.”
Lalor United’s top side made it four from four on Saturday with a victory against Mill Park.
Both sides entered the match undefeated, with Lalor United winning 2-1.
Sapazovski said he had been hoping for a good start to the season. The club has set some ambitious goals in the coming years.
“The expectation is there and rightly so,” he said. “The quality player that we have signed and all the changes made.
“We are the hunted at the moment. Our ambition is to win the competition and get promoted.
“We’ve been realistic in what we want to achieve. We believe we are better than a state 2 club facility wise and the way the club is managed and the people behind the club now, we should be playing at a higher level.”
