Tara Murray
There’s a sense of unfinished business for Westgate in the FV state league 2 north-west competition this year.
Westgate was sitting second last year when the season was called off due to the pandemic and had showed some really good form in the back half of the season.
For coach Goran Lozanovski and the playing group, there’s plenty of motivation to continue on from last season.
“It has been a bit frustrating and a missed opportunity last year,” he said.
“We put ourselves in a position to get promoted and unfortunately it didn’t work that way.
“We were sitting first at one having won seven games in a rowS. We had that one game between lockdowns which we lost.
“Technically, we would have been promoted had we not lost that game. It was devastating we never ended up in the promotion opportunity.
“It starts all over again… it’s exciting.”
Lozanovski, who came in early last season, said they had worked really hard to get the group into a good position to contend again this season.
He said they had been able to keep the majority of the squad together while adding five players who will help add some extra depth.
Among the signings are central midfielder Marino Gasparis comes across from Banyule, having played in the National Premier League with a number of clubs.
Deng Ajing is a centre half back from Hume United, whie Chol Nyok has come across from Altona East Phoenix.
Rob Santilli is an experienced goalkeeper who has also joined the squad, while Ellis Davis is a centre midfielder from Geelong who is expected to be a good pick up.
Lozanovski said one of the keys this season would be the depth of the squad.
“That’s probably the biggest thing,” he said. “If someone gets COVID they have to quarantine, it’s important we have enough depth to cover that person for that week.
“It’s not perfect and it’s hard for those guys not playing much to be patient, but a squad wins you titles not individuals.”
Lozanovski said the focus for the club remains earning promotion in state league 1 for next year. He said he knows that there’s plenty of expectations on the side.
“When I came to the club last year, I think it was round three, they were ambitious.
“I felt we were a little bit behind the eight ball in conditioning and a few other things, which we worked hard on.
“If you ask a mutual outside of football, we are favorites [this season] and we know that.”
Westgate will start its season on Saturday night against Geelong Rangers.
Other first round matches in that division, are Albion Rovers and Lalor United, Upfield will face Moreland, Epping City plays Hoppers Crossing, Altona East Phoenix plays Hume United and Western Suburbs takes on Mill Park.
In state league 1 north-west, Brimbank Stallions plays Corio, Yarraville hosts Caroline Springs George Cross and Keilor Park hosts Sydenham Park.
