Tara Murray
Green Gully has hit the track running after the COVID-19 lockdown caused the National Premier League season to be paused.
Since getting the approval to return to the park, the club has trained nearly every day in an attempt to get the players back into shape.
The NPL competition, along with state league competitions, were all due to resume at the weekend, without spectators.
Cavaliers coach Stephen Downes said his playing group had taken the break well and was itching to return to the field.
“It’s nice to bring back some normality,” he said.
“The boys have been really good and [are in] good nick and stayed together as a unit.
“After having a long break we thought we needed some frequent sessions to get back into match speed and for injury prevention more than anything.
“We needed to tune the body back up for this weekend.”
The Cavaliers resume their season after a mixed 13 games, sitting in ninth spot. They have four wins, four draws and five losses.
Downes said the season hadn’t gone as they would have liked and had plenty to work on.
“We are yet to put together consistently 90 minute performances,” he said.
“We will play good for 45 minutes, whether it be the first half or the second half. It’s something we’ve been working on.”
The Cavaliers have stuck with the same side they went into the season with, adding just one player in the transfer window.
Downes said that one player, Dane Milovanović, had provided some more experience to the side. He said it was something that they needed.
The Cavaliers were due to face Heidelberg United on Sunday, after deadline, in their first match back.
The Cavs lost 1-0.
Speaking before the match, Downes said he expected it to be a weird feeling with no fans allowed in the stands.
“We’re looking forward to it,” he said.
“It’s always a tricky fixture and I’ll be a little bit different being played before closed doors. They’ve normally got a good following, we’re just hoping to get the chocolates.”
Despite sitting in the middle of the table, Downes said they hadn’t ruled their season over just yet. The side still has 10 matches remaining, while the three matches which were due to be held during lockdown could be rescheduled.
“The goal is to finish as high as possible, with that being first place. Once that isn’t achievable, it’s second place.
“We are pushing for finals and with the record the club has been wanting to be competing at the top.”
