Tara Murray
Western Suburbs are right in the mix in the FV state league 2 north-west season.
Having initially aimed to consolidate its spot in the state league 2 competition after a tough 2022, the side has been one of the big improvers.
After 12 rounds, Western Suburbs was sitting in third spot with eight wins among their results.
Club media Sasha Pete said they were doing quite well so far.
“When we spoke previously, it was about stabilising and consolidating,” he said.
“We’ve had some decent results and we’re now one point off second and playing for the title and promotion.
“There’s still a long way to go, but we’re right in the mix.”
Pete said they weren’t shocked by what they had been able to achieve this year, but had been pleasantly surprised.
He said coach Harry Matkovic, who had success at this level, was doing a really good job with the squad.
“We’re not conceding goals and we’re scoring quite a few goals, which makes for entertaining football,” he said.
“We knew that if we put the fundamentals in place we would have a good season. We have changed the squad quite a bit… We have put the framework in place, and Harry has delivered on his pedigree.”
Pete said while in a perfect world the squad would continue to get better as the season goes on, but with injuries and being a semi professional competition.
He said all things being equal that they would continue on the same path.
“Many of the older supporters, who have shied away from the club, have come back,” he said.
“Our supporter numbers are growing and the attendance at games are going.
“Social media interaction has also increased.”
Western Suburbs faced Altona East Phoenix on Saturday.
The Phoenix was in second spot, only one point ahead of Western Suburbs.
Western Suburbs won 3-1 to move into second on the ladder.
Speaking before the match, Pete said it was a match they were keen to perform well in.
“We respect Altona East,” he said. “A lot of their coaching staff is western suburbs boys which adds a little bit of spice.
“Both teams need the points. The first game we lost 1-0 and thought we played really well, but were a bit unlucky.”
