Dramatic last-gasp goal wins Caroline Springs George Cross back-to-back premierships
Caroline Springs George Cross goes back-to-back after being crowned NPL3 premiers thanks to a dramatic, last-gasp goal.
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A 91st minute winner delivered Caroline Springs George Cross the most dramatic of victories and the NPL3 premiership.
Josh Whiteley’s last-gasp goal secured the Georgies a 2-1 triumph over Ballarat City on Saturday, it’s 14th straight win, and back-to-back league titles.
Having sealed promotion a fortnight ago, it’s the club’s ninth premiership and second time it has gone back-to-back.
Coach Eric Vassiliadis was in awe of the achievement.
“It’s a historic 76-year-old, some incredible careers have started at this club, incredible coaches and boards and we’ve put our own stamp on the club and that means so much to us,” he said.
“This is a group that takes a step forward under pressure, is not intimidated or hesitant in big games – we’ve had so many big games – and 14 in a row is unbelievable.
“My only regret is we couldn’t share that moment with our supporters.
“At 1-all – fair play to Ballarat – one point or no points didn’t bother me, it was all or nothing so we had only three defenders and seven attackers on the pitch.
“It was one of defenders, Jordan Jackson, that produced a bit of magic and Josh (Whiteley) finished it off.
“Amazing scenes, cleared the bench, supporters in tears and the coaches, we were just relieved, it was pretty special.”
Caroline Springs won the State League 1 North-West title last season and wasted no time in securing its return to NPL2.
Since Vassiliadis first full since in charge in 2021, the Georgies have won 44 of 57 matches.
Jason Hart topped the league goalscoring last season with 14 before departing and Whiteley has stepped up and leads this season’s goalscoring charts with 16.
“The very first meeting we had in a little portable at Chaplain Reserve, this was our ambition, and to sit here four years later is humbling and a beautiful feeling,” Vassiliadis said.
“When I look back at my team, game-by-game, club-by-club and some of the other obstacles it’s been very difficult and I think I’ve never worked his hard in my coaching career.
“We got so many decisions right, game-by-game, the additions we made mid-season, whatever motivation we found as a group to keep going.
“It’s very exciting, we started with a project and to be able to celebrate it is very exciting.
“Especially considering all the obstacles we’ve had to overcome over the last three or four years, it means so much for our community, our players, to our board and coaches.”
The former NSL club, which helped launch the careers of Kevin Muscat, Paul Trimboli, Damian Mori and John Markovski, isn’t ready to settle either.
A return to the state’s top flight, for the first time since 2007, is the ambition.
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“When I first got to the club, it was all about aspiration,” Vassiliadis said.
“There’s no way in the world I settle at this, there’s no point having a club like George Cross if you don’t want to aspire for more.”
Despite a 2-1 loss to Boroondara-Carey Eagles on Sunday, Melbourne Victory has also secured promotion to NPL2 for next season.
Essendon Royals 3-0 victory over Box Hill United on Friday has settled the relegation battle with Geelong and Ballarat City to step back to State League 1.
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