A new-look Western Suburbs outfit has wasted no time making a statement in state league 1 soccer.
With first-year coach Terry Antoniadis at the helm, Suburbs have established themselves as a potential title contender, holding third spot on the ladder after five rounds.
The club had strong wins against Westgate, Cairnlea, Sunbury United and North Sunshine to start the season.
Western Suburbs club secretary Sasha Pete gives most of the credit for the hot start to Antoniadis.
“He’s putting in place a culture of excellence. When we appointed Terry, it was about getting a club man back here. Terry’s a former junior and senior player and has won a championship at Western Suburbs.
“We thought it only natural for someone like that to be at the helm.”
The appointment of Antoniadis brought with it a host of new faces keen to play at Ralph Reserve.
Mish Ceh, James Hammond and Tom Yabio crossed over from Altona East Phoenix; Luke Cable joined from Westvale, Ajak Panek signed on from St Albans and John Cvetanoski came via Sydenham Park.
As a bonus, the club was also able to sign former Chilean under-20 representative Carlos Espinoza.
“When you attract a good coach, you get players who want to play for a good coach,” Pete said.
“We’ve recruited a number of players this year and I believe we’ve improved our stocks. These players have been huge additions to our club,” he said.
Western Suburbs now looks to continue its impressive start to the season as it takes on Altona East Phoenix in a home match this Sunday.
As for as the club’s long term goals, Pete believes the sky is the limit.
He says there’s no reason why the club can’t eventually become part of the National Premier League.
“You need to get there [NPL] from a base of stability,” Pete said.
“We had success 10 years ago so we know exactly what it takes to get there.
“It doesn’t come from simple statements,” he said. “It comes from building a foundation base whereby you attract the supporter base, the sponsorship, the junior system and the coaching level.
“It’s not just 11 players out on the park.”
