‘Patient’ Geelong determined to secure first win

Geelong Soccer Club will chase its first weekend of the VPL2 season this weekend but they’ll be forced to do it without two of their key stars.

Bruno Gervasoni is waiting in the wings for Geelong Soccer Club. Picture: Mark Wilson

Geelong SC and North Geelong will both be looking to register their first wins of the VPL2 season, when they host their respective round 2 fixtures on Saturday.

North Geelong will host Box Hill United at Elcho Park in the earlier game at 5pm. United lost to Eltham Redbacks 0-2 in the season opener last week.

Expected to be one of the dominant teams in the VPL2 division after suffering relegation from VPL1 last season, Stuart Begg’s Warriors will be keen to collect all three points on home turf.

Meanwhile, just down the road at Winslow Park in Norlane, the Lions will entertain Nunawading City at the later kick-off time of 6pm.

Last week, Nunawading City lost 1-2 to Brunswick Juventus but Lions’ coach Ante Moric isn’t about to allow complacency to creep into his squad

“After a pretty intense local derby against North Geelong, and in the end a fair result, we welcome and are ready for our visitors Nunawading,” he said.

“They are a strong side and like to dominate with the ball, so we will have to be organised better in ball possession opponent.

“In saying that, we are at home and we will continue to be in an offensive mode whenever we can, patient and in control with the ball, but also looking to create goal scoring opportunities and score goals.”

The Lions were boosted last week with Zac Kocankovski having returned from Macedonia in time for the season opener, and further improved Moric’s squad.

“Unfortunately, at the moment, we are currently without our captain Rory (Mckeown), but fingers crossed he will return soon,” revealed Moric, disappointed the squad will be without its inspirational skipper.

In addition to Mckeown’s absence, the Lions are still holding on for news regarding the visa application for last season’s star Brazilian striker Bruno Rodrigues Gervasoni.

“We are still awaiting news on our leading goal scorer from last year Bruno, so hopefully we get some good news our way soon,” Moric said.

In the meantime, Geelong’s supporters would have been buoyed by the dynamic debut of ex-Altona Magic and Melbourne Knights striker Tommy Semmy in last Saturday night’s 2-2 draw with North Geelong in front of close to 2000 fans in the season opener.

Moric is hopeful another large crowd will turn up tonight at Winslow Park.

“We are looking forward to Saturday night, and we’re hoping to see yet another good crowd in attendance, supporting the boys,” the Lions’ coach said.

‘Huge step’: Colac soccer club ready to make history

Colac Otway FC will create history on Saturday when Rovers make their debut in the nationwide Australian FA Cup.

It will certainly be a baptism of fire for the Colac minnows, who have drawn State League 4 outfit Baxter Soccer Club in a daunting away fixture.

Playing in the local Geelong Region community league, the Rovers are no strangers to regular hour long commutes.

However, the 209km and two hour journey to the other side of Port Phillip Bay will undoubtedly be their longest trip yet.

Nonetheless, Colac Otways president Oaklee Balboni is super excited about the club’s debut in the mass nationwide knockout tournament which is set to attract over 800 senior men’s teams in 2025.

“This will be a tough challenge, but one the boys are ready to take on,” Balboni said.

“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to challenge ourselves against higher-division opposition.”

Darren Balboni (Senior Assistant Coach), Oaklee Balboni (President), Eddie Dorris (Senior Coach), Nathan Haynes (Treasurer) and Thomas Davis (Vice-President). Photo: Colac Otway Rovers FC.

According to Balboni, the Colac Otway Rovers community is eager for the challenge, and this match reflects the ambitious club’s desire to continuously improve not just on the field or within its senior team, but across all aspects of the club.

“We are highly motivated to continue creating opportunities such as this to develop football in Colac further,” Balboni said.

“Representing a regional community of around 20,000 people in a prestigious tournament is an honour, and we embrace the chance to showcase our club’s growth and ambition.

“This is a statement of intent of the level in which we want to be competing at in the coming years.”

As far as on the field is concerned, Rovers’ coach Eddie Dorris is equally thrilled to be participating in the Cup.

“It will be a huge step up for us and it will allow our players to see first hand the next level up that we are eventually aiming for as a club,” Dorris said.

“We are expecting our players to be able to compete at the level and remain competitive throughout the game, however we have been drawn against a side on the south side which we know little about.

“It’s a huge road trip, so I’m hoping our boys can lift to the occasion.”

The game at Baxter Park will kick off at 3pm.

In other Australia Cup first round fixtures in the Victorian phase, Deakin Ducks are at home Bendigo outfit Epsom, Bell Park will host Spring Hills, while Surf Coast is away to Boronia.

Ocean Grove forfeited against FC Noble Hurricanes, while local State League 4 sides Barwon and Lara United were handed byes to the second round.

LOCAL FIXTURES

Saturday, February 15

3pm — Deakin Ducks v Epsom at Deakin University – Top Field

3pm — Boronia v Surf Coast at Egan Lee Reserve

3pm — Baxter v Colac Otway Rovers at Baxter Park

6pm — Bell Park v Spring Hills at Bell Park Sports Club

Originally published as ‘Patient’ Geelong determined to secure first win