Tara Murray
Brimbank Stallions have had to reassess their goals for this year’s Football Victoria state league 1 north-west season after a strong start.
The Stallions have found themselves sitting in second spot after nine rounds, when the season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stallions coach Andrew Marth said they were really happy with how the season had played out so far.
“Without a doubt it’s been better than we expected,” he said. “I thought we would be around the middle of the table.
“The boys have certainly overachieved so far and we’re hoping that will continue.”
Marth said the difference had been the addition of some experienced players who had played in the higher ranked National Premier League.
He highlighted Kym Harris and Chris May, who he had both coached at Melbourne Knights, as two players who had made an impact.
With the side sitting in such a good position, Marth said they had changed their aim and were now looking to try and win promotion into the NPL.
It would be a massive rise for the Stallions who were in state league 4 west in 2016.
The top two teams in state league 1 north-west will earn promotion, with Marth saying ladder leaders Caroline Springs George Cross is the standout team of the competition.
The Stallions took it to the Georgies in their first match up, in a 1-1 draw.
“You want to go and get promoted and that will be a huge bonus for the club,” he said.
“We’ve got a good opportunity to go five points clear of the Essendon Royals. When I came to the Stallions [in 2017] they were a third division side.
“We’ve been promoted nearly every year and it’s been a good ride for me and the club.”
The Stallions were set to resume their season on Friday night against Essendon Royals.
Marth admits the break was a blessing in disguise due to some injuries, but the group was keen to get back on the pitch.
“We’ve done three sessions before the game,” he said. “Everyone is keen to get back out there.”
