Craig Carley’s men are gearing up to enter the competition on Saturday, after pulling a home fixture against Eltham Redbacks during Tuesday’s draw.
With the game an opportunity to test the waters ahead of the following weekend’s league opener, Carley was keen to kick on with competitive football.
“The boys are really looking forward to actually playing a competitive game regardless of if it is in the cup or league,” Carley said.
“They’re focused and ready to go and appreciate the season is upon us now.
“A cup run is always a bonus, but our priority is firmly set on the league.”
A possible cup run was cut short last year due to COVID-19.
The side was like a colt out of the turnstiles, smashing past Corio SC 4-0 before all fixtures were abandoned as a result of the pandemic.
This time the Suns face State League One outfit Eltham, which is far from a foreign entity.
Carley himself stole the show against the Redbacks in the 2018 FFA Cup, nodding home the Suns’ stoppage-time winner to grant his side progression past the fifth stage.
“Eltham will be a good test,” he said.
“Whilst I don’t know too much about them, they are an established State League One side, so it will be a tough game — there isn’t a great deal of difference between the top State League sides and NPL, so I’m expecting a tough game.”
Heading into Saturday’s match, the Suns will be spurred on by a win over Sydenham Park at the weekend.
A typically venomous Fraser Gosstray finish was the only difference separating the sides.
Now, with the National Premier League Two season within touching distance, Carley has his sights set on beginning it in the strongest possible fashion.
“I will certainly be going into (Saturday's) game with next week’s game in mind,” he said.
“Some boys who need match minutes/fitness will get it, but whatever (team) we put out on the park, we certainly will be going for the victory this weekend.”
● Kick-off at McEwen Reserve, Shepparton, is at 5pm on Saturday.
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