Preston Lions captain Naum Sekulovski dreaming of promotion to NPL Victoria

EXPERIENCED Preston Lions captain Naum Sekulovski says promotion to the National Premier League would be a “dream come true” for the historic club.

Ex-Perth Glory defender Naum Sekulovski is dreaming of promotion with Preston Lions. Picture: Brendan Radke.

EXPERIENCED Preston Lions captain Naum Sekulovski says promotion to the National Premier League would be a “dream come true” for the historic club.

Preston has closed to within one point of State League 1 North-West leader Geelong with three rounds left in the 2018 campaign.

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The top-two sides clash next weekend in what looms as a likely title decider, with Geelong (39 points) ahead of Preston (38) after Round 19.

North Sunshine Eagles (35 points) are still in the title mix, but need results involving Preston Lions and Geelong to fall their way.

The Lions are unbeaten in their last 11 matches and have come from ninth on the ladder after Round 8 to sit second.

“It’s always hard when a club that big has had a bad run and ends up in the lower leagues,” Sekulovski said.

“The challenge for the committee, players, supporters and everyone involved is being able to fight back and get to the top level.

“To be a part of that would be unbelievable.”

Naum Sekulovski (right) is leading Preston’s push for State League 1 promotion.

Sekulovski, a defender with more than 100 games of A-League experience, said Preston’s Round 21 match against Geelong was shaping as “an absolute blockbuster”.

“They’re the games you need to win to come home and win championships,” he said.

“That game could potentially be the decider.”

Sekulovski rejoined Preston for 2018 after stints in the NPL with Goulburn Valley Suns, Whittlesea Ranges and Hume City.

The 36-year-old, who represented Perth Glory 108 times, said he was determined to help former National Soccer League club Preston into NPL2.

“Everyone knows the history of the club,” he said.
“Once upon a time in the old national league.

“To have it there and thereabouts and in the NPL, in the top flight of Victorian football, would be a dream come true for a lot of people.”

The State League 1 title will likely be decided when Geelong and Preston clash in Round 21. Picture: David Smith.

Sekulovski said while it had taken time for a revamped Preston squad to discover its chemistry, the club had hit its straps at the right time.

“When I look back to where we started, that first month and where we were positioned, to be where we are now and genuinely in the race for the first time … we have got semi-control of the situation,” he said.

“Unbelievable, it really is a special feeling.”

Preston tackles bottom side Western Suburbs, Geelong and Hoppers Crossing in its remaining games, buoyed by the knowledge three wins will secure the league title.

“We have always worked hard on the park and I think it was just trying to find that chemistry in the first month and a bit,” he said.

“It is always hard when you are bringing in boys from interstate, international and even the local boys.”

Preston takes on Western Suburbs on Sunday.