Tara Murray
Westvale Olympic was aiming to be in the promotion mix in FV state league 3 north-west, but never predicted to be undefeated at the halfway mark of the season.
After sitting bottom when last season was called off, Westvale has looked to step things up under coach Bill Georgopoulos.
He said they were thrilled with how things had gone so far.
“At the moment we’re not complaining, but it can quickly change,” he said.
“We’ve gone through the first round of matches undefeated. We didn’t aim for that and if it [staying undefeated] happens, it happens.”
Georgopoulos said one of the keys to the success this year had been, he had been in the coaching role the whole pre-season and then throughout the season.
Last season he took over after round two. It’s the first time he has had a pre-season with the club in his two stints of coaching them.
“The first game I was in charge of was with the players that we already had, we lost 9-0 to Fawkner,” he said.
“I approached the past president George Loulakis. and asked him if he could come back.
“He stepped in and contributed financially on and off the field.
“It put us in good steps for this year. The core group is back from last year and we added a few more players.”
The majority of the players signed by Westvale this season are in the age group of 19 and 22 and had been playing at higher levels.
Georgopoulos said the first key piece of the puzzle was goalkeeper Franco Saric and they were able to build from there.
Westvale had a big test on Saturday against Sunbury United, who sit second.
The match finished in a 0-0 draw.
Having exceeded early expectations, Georgopoulos said they were now focused on continuing their run and going for promotion.
“In George’s mind he wants us to win a championships,” he said.
“He’s been in and out of the president’s role the last 10 years and been at the club 40 years.
“Under him the club has been promoted, but never won a championship. We’re now in a good position, but there’s a lot of work to be done.”
