The boys in navy blue have lost just once since March to emerge as the frontrunners for the premiership in what represents the best run of form since the Shepparton side was founded back in 2013.
That incredible purple patch means that the destination of the title crown now lies in their hands, with second-placed Malvern currently two points adrift of the pacesetters heading into round 17.
The primary objective for Craig Carley’s men in recent months has been to secure automatic promotion - a feat that they achieved in their latest outing following a 2-0 victory over Werribee City.
Now, the Suns chief has put the importance of this accomplishment into context, as he looks to steer his side to silverware in the remaining matches of the home-and-away season against Bayside Argonauts and Box Hill United.
“We’ve got promotion off our back and now we can focus on these next two games to win the championship,” Carley said.
“We’re in the driving seat and we’re top of the table so if we can get those two wins, then fantastic.
“If not, then it was still been an amazing season in my eyes, so it would be nice to cap off this year with the championship as well.”
The season has been one typified by the defensive solidity of a backline shepherded by club captain Liam Kielty, and the attacking exuberance of Curtis Hughes, Danny Edwards, Mangara Munguakonkhwa and Laywi Niyonkuru.
Tying all of that together has been midfield maestro Callum Schorah, with the ingenuity of the side’s talisman having proven central to the team’s dominance of the division.
Coach Carley was eager to stress that the brilliance class of 2026 has been made possible due to the efforts of numerous unsung heroes of past and present down at John McEwen Reserve.
“This hasn’t just been down to the players that are here now, the project has been bigger than that,” he said.
“Jacqui Stojanovski (General Manager and Operations Manager) has poured her heart and soul into this club, then you’ve got the coaching staff and the phenomenal work they do behind the scenes.
“This sets up future players really well to be able to play at the highest level of football possible on their own doorstep.
“That hasn’t always been the case and there’s been ups and downs along the journey.
“Regionally, we always have those challenges and it’s a really good reward for the years of perseverance and consistency.
“There’s so many people to thank past and present.”
For now, Carley is eager for his players and staff to savour the moment, while ensuring that the team on the pitch ends the season on a high.
“It’s marvellous and we really want everyone to be able to enjoy the moment now as I think this is a time we’ll look back on in years to come and remember this moment,” he added.
“We’ve got Bayside this weekend, so we’ve got to get past them first, we know it won’t be easy.
“They’ve already secured their playoff position now and so hopefully we can have a big party and celebrate in front of a lot of people come that final game against Box Hill.”
