Tara Murray
Western Suburbs are still working out the right mix in the FV state league 1 north-west.
Having been promoted into state league 1 this season, Western Suburbs has taken some time to find its feet.
After 10 rounds, Western Suburbs had three wins, three draws and four losses.
Committee member Sasha Pete said the season hadn’t gone to plan so far.
“We have dropped some matches and won just about as many,” he said. “We’re in the middle of the table and our senior coach decided to resign.
“We’ve appointed our assistant as coach and we are now about regrouping and trying to solidify our position in state league 1 this season.
Pete said the ladder position was a true indication of where they should be sitting, with the matches they’ve lost ones they should have.
He said they were still finding their feet this season.
“It’s really about finding the balance in the playing group,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of new players in the team and it’s about gelling them together.
“I think if we kept the same team we would be more competitive early on. This team needs time to gel.”
Pete said the decision to appoint Marijan Cvitkovic as coach for the rest of the season was about keeping some continuity in the team.
Cvitkovic served as a playing assistant under old coach Harry Matkovic.
He brings great experience playing at the highest level in Victoria including being a former Melbourne Knights captain-coach and gold medal player of the year.
“He knew the players and we saw no reason why to change that and we want that way,” Pete said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do at this level.”
Western Suburbs faced Corio in round 10 on Saturday, after deadline.
The match finished in a 2-2 draw.
Pete said it was a must win game for them to help consolidate their position.
