It’s the position every team wants to be in going into the final round of the season . . . Keilor Wolves will claim the state league 5 west soccer title if they beat Spring Hills next week.
There has been plenty of time to think about what’s at stake leading up to the biggest game of the year for the Wolves.
By the time the match is played on September 20, Keilor will have had a three-week break because of a league rest week and a club bye.
But despite the gap between games, Wolves’ secretary Michael Talevski said a potential title was an exciting prospect.
“We would have been rapt to be in this position at the start of the year,” he said.
“Going into the last game it’s a really positive mood.
“We have had time off with the byes so the boys with minor injuries will have a chance to recover.
“We are just trying to stay focused as best we can.”
Talevski paid credit for Keilor’s brilliant season to coach Danny Lisolajski, who took over 18 months ago.
In his first season in charge, the Wolves finished ninth on the table with nine wins.
Regardless of what happens next week, they have already improved on that with 10 wins in 2014.
“It’s been a good season,” Talevski said. “We’ve had a few injuries to deal with but the coach has really put in and brought a real bond to the club, both on field and off field. Everybody has a role to play.
“Being able to cover those injuries has made it an even more special season.”
Keilor and Spring Hills have met twice already this season, the Wolves taking the honours, 2-1, in round seven and Spring Hill reversing the result, 4-2, in round 14.
In a huge boost to its chances, the next match will be played on Keilor’s home ground at Green Gully Reserve.
As well as a successful 2014 campaign, Talevski said the club was also focusing on a move up the league rankings.
“It’s something we’re looking towards,” he said. “The further up we go, the more the club will have to focus and improve.
“One of the things we really want to focus on next year is bringing in more juniors.
“The committee has discussed that from the start of the season.
“We want to build a strong foundation and work our way up from there.”
The match against Spring Hills will kick off at 3pm.
