Tara Murray
Early points are crucial for Westgate in the FV state league 1 north-west season.
With a new coach, more than half a new side and not playing at home until round seven, it will take some time for the side to settle.
After a win and draw in its first two matches, coach Peter Schwellinger is happy
“So far, so good,” he said before Friday’s round three match with Upfield.
“We’ve had two away games and undefeated. The first game we won against Geelong a side which had been relegated.
“Then we were away against Yarraville and played almost 80 minutes with 10 men. We battled hard and showed real character and got a draw.”
Schwellinger said the draw against Yarraville really showed the heart of the team as their backs and midfielders made it so the Glory couldn’t break them.
Schwellinger, who was appointed coach in December, said there had been a number of changes to the squad in the off season.
“We’ve had a good start with a lot of new players,” he said. “It’ll still take them a few rounds to peak.
“More than half the team is new, so it’s quite a lot.
“We’ve got some players from our opposition like Borbor [Sam] who have come across and is a dangerous forward.
“Jayden [Iliovski] came from Geelong last year. Frankie [Serratore] and Luca [Santilli] come from previously playing in the NPL.
“They are experienced older players. Young Luka [Krstevski] has come from Hume City
Schwellinger, who has returned to coaching after a couple of seasons off, said he feels like he’s been at Westgate the whole time and the whole club has been extremely welcoming.
With work being done on their home ground it’s still a few weeks before they will play at home.
Schwellinger said the ability to get points on the road would be crucial as they aim to be towards the top of the ladder.
“Hopefully we get the three points at home, but the ability to get three points or even one point away is important.
“We’re looking good the first two games.”
Westgate was set to face Upfield on Saturday in round three after deadline.
Westgate managed to keep its unbeaten run going, winning 3-1.
“They were fifth last year,” Schwellinger said before the game. “For me it’s a bit of a blank canvas.
“I coached against them four or five years ago. I’ll watch a couple of video and look to give 100 per cent effort.”
