Tara Murray
Two years of hard work has paid off for Westgate in the FV state league 2 north-west competition.
Having been on top of the table when the season was called off early last year, the side had to regroup and have a second shot at promotion in 2022.
After a slow start to the season, Westgate found its groove and was one of four teams in the mix for promotion heading into the final round.
A 4-0 win against Altona East Phoenix, which had also been in the mix, delivered a second place finish and the second promotion spot into state league 1 north-west.
Coach Jim Gacovski said many at the club were speechless in the days after achieving what they had been working for.
“Everyone at the club is very happy and excited,” he said. “We’ve been trying for so long to get back into state league 1 and I’ve delivered what they were after.
“There was happiness and joy on the faces of everyone. There were plenty of celebrations from the committee, players and coaching staff.
“It’s been a while since we’ve been in state league 1, a number of years.”
Gacovski said it was difficult to get the playing group back up and going after the disappointment of last year, when the league didn’t promote teams that were on top of the table.
The club won two of their first five matches and found themselves mid table.
There was also a coaching change with Goran Lozanovski heading to Hume City and Gacovski stepping up to the head role.
From that point, Westgate lost just one game, to champions Upfield.
Gacovski said there were a few nerves heading into the final round knowing what was on the line.
“Credit to the players who were able to turn it around,” he said.
“There were nerves, but I said to them it’s just another game despite the end result mattering and the consequences at the end.”
The club in a Facebook post praised the playing group, saying they were a special group of lads.
“Your hard work, determination and never-say-die attitude has been an inspiration to us all,” it said. “You have made us proud and we will always remember this season. Thank you for everything.”
The promotion caps off the career of captain Mile Medjedovic, who has retired following the season ending.
Gacovski said they were keen to go again.
“It’s been a week and half,” he said. “We’re catching up with the guys on Saturday.
“We think we’re capable of getting promoted again.”
