Tara Murray
Altona East Phoenix will have a clearer idea of where it sits in the pecking order in the next two weeks in the FV state league 2 north-west competition.
The Phoenix sits third on the ladder after 12 rounds ahead of clashes with Mill Park and Upfield, who sit second and first respectively, the next two weeks.
Having finished mid-table last season, coach Terry Antoniadis said they were happy with the improvement they had shown.
“We aren’t doing too badly,” he said. “We had an up and down first six weeks, but in the last six weeks we’ve won five games.
“We’re growing in confidence. The next two weeks are really important in where we sit.”
Antoniadis said having brought back most of last year’s squad, they were confident in natural progression.
He said the main reason for the slow start was due to a packed schedule.
“We were still in the [Australia] Cup,” he said. “We were also playing midweek games.
“It took a lot out of them physically. They just struggled with energy levels really low and not their mentally.
“Credit to the teams that beat us, but we were not at our best. Now we’re just focusing on our league campaign and trying to keep everyone fresh.”
On Saturday, the Phoenix beat Hume United 3-1. Antoniadis said it was a really competitive game in the second half.
He was just glad to come away with the points.
“We deserved to win,” he said. “Hume away is never easy and we had it pencilled in as a danger game.
“The result looked more comfortable than what it was.”
Antoniadis, who took over coaching the side in 2020 said they group didn’t set any clear expectations heading into this season.
He said earning promotion, with the top two teams promoted, would be nice.
“We want to be in the mix the last four to six weeks and give ourselves every opportunity,” he said.
“Nick [Efthymiou] my assistant and I took over in 2020 and the previous season they finished last.
“We wanted a competitive group and to get some respect back and we did that to a point last year.
“We saw the natural progression and wanted to keep getting better.
“If we’re in contention for promotion with a month to go, we’re crazy not to go for it.”
