Tara Murray
Green Gully will be better for a season that included three finals appearances.
The National Premier League side made the final six of the Dockerty Cup, the last four of the NPL competition and the last 16 of the FFA Cup.
For Cavaliers coach Stephen Downes there were a lot of positives out of the season.
The Cavaliers season officially came to an end on Sunday, losing in the league preliminary final to South Melbourne, 1-0.
“It was difficult we didn’t get over the final hurdle and get to the final of the league,” he said.
“It wasn’t the result that we were after.
“We had 10 or 11 changes this year and put together a fantastic group. We ended up picking up some good results, but we just couldn’t get over the final hurdle.
“It was an enjoyable year.”
Downes said they would take plenty of positives out of the season. He said there were a lot of good signs for the future.
“We made the finals of the Dockerty Cup, FFA Cup and the league,” he said.
“The next step is to put it all together next year and get over those hurdles.
“We will learn from this year and everyone will be a year older. It’s hurting for the moment, but it will only help next year.”
Downes said across the playing group there were a number of players that had really stepped up.
He said he could have quite easily named every player for the way they had developed this season.
He highlighted the likes of Jordan Lampard, goalkeeper Liam Driscoll, Luc Jeggo and Luke Adams.
“They all had fantastic years and competed in the elimination final and semi final in the league,” Downes said.
“They played in the FFA Cup which was good for them as well.”
Downes said after the season that they’ve had, the first focus for the club was to try and retain the existing playing group for next season.
“We want to try and keep them together and re-sign all the players we can,” he said.
“If there’s quality players available, Green Gully is always interested in adding quality.
“If you are standing still, you are only going backwards.”
The Cavaliers will start pre-season in November for the next season. For Downes, he’ll use this chance to get away.
“I haven’t been home for four years due to COVID,” he said. “I’m looking to head back home.”
South Melbourne will play Oakleigh Cannons in the grand final on Sunday.
