This time last year there wasn’t much happening at Western Suburbs Soccer Club.
The state league 1 outfit was treading water in the middle of the table, safe from relegation but nowhere close to competing for a title.
Now, Suburbs are preparing for the biggest month in their recent history with the club a hot favourite to claim the state league 1 silverware.
With three matches left, Suburbs are five points clear on top of the ladder after Sunday’s 1-0 win over Preston Lions.
Club secretary Sasha Pete said it was an extremely exciting time.
“When you’re mid-table you can go through the motions a little bit,” he said.
“When you’re at the top, it’s so exciting. It’s been a long time since we’ve been at the top and we’re cherishing every moment.”
Suburbs go into the final stretch in outstanding form, having convincingly beaten fellow title contenders North Sunshine and Altona East in recent weeks.
The only recent loss was against struggling Keilor Park in round 16, the second time this season the Parkers have beaten Suburbs.
“I think some of the boys take it easy when they think it’s going to be easy,” Pete said.
“Obviously when we know it’s going to be a tough match, everyone switches on mentally.”
In the run to the finish line, Western Suburbs will take on Diamond Valley (seventh), Sydenham Park (third) and Corio (12th).
Pete said his players needed no reminding of what was at stake.
“You almost don’t need to state the obvious,” he said.
“Enough is said each week to remind ourselves what we need to do to be successful.”
