Despite an up-and-down season, Whittlesea Ranges coach Vinko Buljubasic believes it has been a successful one.
The club finished the National Premier League 1 west season in seventh place with a 9-7-12 record after a 2-2 draw with Brunswick City on Saturday.
“It’s been up and down but it has been successful after the injuries, suspensions and players leaving,” he said before Saturday’s match.
“We had a few changes each week and we didn’t have continuity in the side.
“We played only two poor games all year and, from where we were last year, there has been a big difference.
“Last year we finished with 23 points … this year we are on 33 points with one match to go.
“That’s a good improvement. If we can improve that much again next year we will be in a good spot and fighting for the top two.”
Buljubasic said that while the young players had tired towards the end of the year, it had been pleasing to see them continue to develop.
“We’ve had a few players develop into first level players; they have improved immensely,” he said.
“It’s a long season for younger players still learning.
“Some have had slight injuries and can’t play through them, while more experienced players would be able to play through them.”
Buljubasic said he would be happy to coach Whittlesea again next season and would meet club officials soon to discuss the possibility.
He said he would be happy to stick with the present squad and would look to add two or three new players.
