SUNSHINE Heights sees hope on the horizon with a new Western Region Football League division 2 season arriving on Saturday.
The Dragons will usher in a new era as a second-tier club after their anticipated relegation from the top flight.
There was a collective sigh of relief at Ainsworth Reserve when fixtures came out and the Heights were not drawn to play the Altonas, Deer Parks and Spotswoods of the world.
The Dragons will instead pay a visit to Sanctuary Lakes for their round one match, the expansion club’s first official game.
Stepping into the shark tank might be a bit of the unknown for the Heights, but it’s much better than knowing your fate before a ball is bounced.
“We knew a month out from the start of last season that unless something miraculous happened, we were heading to division 2,” Dragons football manager Michael Grima told the Weekly.
“As a club, we decided that was the best place for us, because the bottom line is, financially, we’re not even close to competing with the bottom rung of division 1.
“Unless you’re paying $100k, you can’t even be competitive, and we’re not even in the ballpark.”
The Dragons have relished the chance to start afresh after a winless 2012.
After four years of constant beatings in division 1, they finally have hope of being competitive, perhaps even challenging for the finals.
“For us, it’s all about getting a little bit of the fun back,” Grima said.
“The senior coach and the senior team, they’re out there to win every game. They’ll be going as hard as they can to play finals and win a premiership if they’re good enough.
“When we were in division 2 [five years ago], we were a great club, we had great people around, we had a great time and we treated the club how local footy clubs should be treated: a social outlet where you can hang out with your mates, play some footy and have a good time.
“Over the last four years, we’ve sort of lost that, so we’re looking to get some of it back.”
A familiar face, Daniel Xuereb, will be the Dragons’ new coach.
The teacher is a well-respected club life member who has worked with the Western Jets in the TAC Cup.
“His biggest strength is the way he can communicate with younger players,” Grima said.
“Over the preseason, we’ve recruited pretty well, but most of the recruits are 18, 19 and 20 years old. Daniel’s skills will work really well with these kids and help fast-track them.”
The Dragons have re-signed veterans Robbie Greto and Nick Mallia for their on-field leadership.
Injury-plagued star Michael Nicolaidis will make his long-awaited return from a knee reconstruction.
WRFL division 2
Opening round: Sanctuary Lakes v Sunshine Heights, Albanvale v North Sunshine, Glenorden v West Footscray, Manor Lakes v Laverton, Parkside v Braybrook, Wyndhamvale v Caroline Springs
