The GV Suns come into this top-of-the-table clash in fine form.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
GV Suns head coach Craig Carley has issued a rally cry to his in-form side ahead of a crunch top-of-the-table battle against VL2 leaders Malvern City.
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Heading into this long-awaited home clash at John McEwen Reserve, the boys in navy blue have put together a string of five consecutive victories, including a famous Hahn Australia Cup giant-killing over Green Gully.
In the league, the Suns dispatched of Springvale White Eagles in a stunning 2-1 comeback last weekend, prevailing courtesy of a last-minute winner from Callum Schorah to strengthen their credentials as bona fide title contenders.
In what was arguably the moment of the season for Carley’s all-conquering men, that late strike sparked rapturous celebrations among players and staff in what may turn out to be a seminal moment in the season.
That latest result meant that the Shepparton outfit is now within six points of league pacesetters Malvern after nine rounds played, meaning another victory could comfortably cement the hosts within the premiership picture.
However, the peerless visitors undoubtedly pose a formidable threat to the Suns’ ascendancy, with their only loss so far this campaign having come in a 2-1 defeat at home to Altona City in March.
The Suns’ upcoming opponents have been on a sterling run of their own in recent weeks, with a commanding 2-1 win over Nunawading City in week nine the latest victory in what has been a true purple patch.
The GV Suns could put down a massive marker in the title race against Malvern City.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
With the scene set for a potential classic under the lights, Suns coach Carley is well-aware of the need for his side to be immaculate on the day to emerge with all three points from the battle.
“It’s five wins on the bounce for us and there’s a great buzz about the place at the moment,” he said, in the aftermath of the team’s recent win over Springvale.
“Everyone’s flying and the intensity in training is through the roof, everyone’s competing.
“There’s boys that aren’t in the squad that would get into most teams in the league so that fight for starting positions and even to make the squad is there.
“We want that high level of competitiveness and we want the players who are starting on the bench to come on and make an impact.”
“Hopefully that can continue against Malvern, who have been the standout team in our league.”
Carley was also effusive in his praise of Malvern coach Fausto De Amicis, with the ex-Australian international defender having masterminded City’s procession to the top of the league ladder in the opening nine games.
“We know that our best is good enough to beat any team in this league, I know their coach pretty well and he’s a legend of the Australian football scene, a former Socceroo, and he’ll have his team well-drilled and prepared,” the Suns boss said.
“It’s going to be a test and we need our boys to be at our very best, it’ll be great to have a good crowd and provide a platform to put on a good show against the best team in the league to so.”
“So I’m looking forward to locking horns and hopefully putting our best foot forward.”
The GV Suns’ clash with Malvern City in the tenth round of VL2 fixtures will kick-off from 7pm on Saturday, April 25 at John McEwen Reserve, Shepparton.
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