Western Suburbs want to salvage their season under new coach Joe Sweeney.
Suburbs took a step in the right direction with a 3-1 win over Hoppers Crossing on the road at Grange Reserve in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 on Saturday.
Sweeney is the third coach to take charge of Suburbs after only 13 rounds.
It was Suburbs’ first win since Sweeney stepped into the role two weeks ago.
Sweeney has decided to strip it all back and start implementing a new strategy.
“As far as the players are concerned, there’s quality at the club, but it’s been dysfunctional,” he said. “You’ve had different coaches coming in with different mentalities, so it’s exceptionally hard and there’s going to be a wee bit of heartache for the players.
“All I’m doing right now is putting it in a better shape and trying to get them to work to a system.
“We’ve wiped the slate and we’ve started again.”
One non-negotiable for Sweeney is work ethic. From the time he arrived at Western Suburbs, he believes the players have universally put in 100 per cent effort.
“That’s the key factor to this win,” he said.
“They’ve taken on board everything from the first time of meeting them.”
Western Suburbs went a goal down after just five minutes when Darryl Roach scored for Hoppers Crossing.
Suburbs did not drop their heads, hitting back with goals through Craig Sweeney, Fernando Morales and Michael Caccavo.
“There was no individuals there today – it was 100 per cent a squad effort,” Sweeney said.
It was a huge victory for Western Suburbs.
It snapped a five-game losing streak and saw them move out of the relegation zone.
“We need points to stay in the league, so it was good to get the win,” Sweeney said.
With victories few and far between, Sweeney allowed his players a chance to celebrate the victory.
Once Tuesday night training arrives, it will be all eyes on their next crucial battle with Banyule City at Ralph Reserve on Sunday.
“Next week’s game starts on Tuesday at training and we’ll take it from there,” Sweeney said
Elsewhere in state league 1, North Sunshine Eagles had a 1-0 win over FC Clifton Hill.
Keilor Park picked up a point away to Essendon Royals after a 1-1 draw, while Sydenham Park was disappointing in a 4-0 loss to Banyule City.
In state league 2, Westgate maintained its assault on promotion with the second placed team beating Brimbank Stallions 2-1 after goals to Alejandro Martinez and Alex Petrovski.
Westvale’s 3-1 win over Diamond Valley United was just its second of the campaign, while Davut Tahir scored twice in Cairnlea’s gutsy 2-0 win on the road over Mill Park.
In state league 4, Stefan Dimeski scored a double in Western Eagles’ 2-0 victory over North Melbourne Athletic.
In women’s state league 1, Melbourne Knights lost a five goal thriller 3-2 to Eltham Redbacks.
Keilor Park hammered Bundoora United 4-1 and Talia Silvestros kicked two.
On Sunday night, Calder United were crowned Team App Cup champions for a second year running. Calder overcame Box Hill United 3-1 after goals to Aleksandra Sinclair, Polly Doran and Catherine Zimmerman.
