By Lance Jenkinson
Caroline Springs George Cross has a clear vision of where it’s headed in Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1.
Although not mathematically out of promotion contention, the Georgies seem to have left their hot run too late.
But they are building rock-solid foundations for next season under new coach Eric Vassiliadis.
A remarkable come-from-behind 3-2 win over Altona City at City Vista Recreation Reserve on Saturday evening was the Georgies’ fourth victory in five games.
The Georgies made it five games unbeaten when they banged on three unanswered goals in the second half to overcome a two-goal half-time deficit.
Georgies captain George Tsiakalakis can see that his team is in a hurry to improve.
“We’re 100 per cent planning for next year – that’s the direction the club has gone in,” Tsiakalakis said.
“A lot of what Eric has done has been built around getting a squad to gel and be ready for next year rather than rebuilding at the start of next season.”
On May 26, Caroline Springs ushered in a shiny new era for the club.
The Georgies played their final game at their former ground, the historic Chaplin Reserve.
It was a sad day for the Georgies faithful, but one for which they had waited a long time as it meant they could finally move into their elegant new digs in City Vista Crescent.
Tsiakalakis has been involved with the Georgies for three years, so he knows both sides of the story.
“There is more of a vibe around the club now,” he said.
“The other ground wasn’t special to go to. Yeah, it had history, but it didn’t have
character.
“Here, it’s the start of a culture, whereas at the other ground, it was get to the ground, get training done and get out.
“People want to stick around now and they want to be a part of it.”
Tsiakalakis is ecstatic with Caroline Springs’ new home.
“Our whole facility, with what it’s got for the juniors and the seniors, it’s one of the best in the whole of Victoria,” Tsiakalakis said.
Tsiakalakis, a centre back, is a young captain at 23 years.
A championship winner at St Albans Saints and Richmond, he is thrilled to be leading Caroline Springs into a new era.
If ever Tsiakalakis is feeling nostalgic about the old days at Chaplin Reserve, he knows where to turn.
“Our physio [John Murphy] has been with the club for 30-odd years and there’s some others who have been around for a long time and they will tell you their stories,” Tsiakalakis said.
“On this ground, this happened, or in this changeroom this happened, or there was a punch up here or a guy scoring a winning goal.
“There’s history attached to the old ground and people are still talking about it.”
