By Tara Murray
Altona City is hoping to go a step further in the Victorian Premier League 2 competition this season.
City in its first season up in VPL2, finished in third spot after injuries halted their run later in the season.
Now with a full pre-season under their belts under coach Nick Georgopolous, City is keen to go against this season.
“We’re very excited,” Georgopolous said. “It’s a 26 week season this year as they’ve added a couple of extra teams into the league.
“It means less pre-season and more competitive matches. It has been really good at the new facility and it’s been appreciated by all the players.”
Georgopolous, who took over coaching part way through last season, said it was much easier starting at the beginning of pre-season than coming in part way through the season.
He said they had managed to keep the core group of players and add in some other players who have fitted in well in the changeroom.
“We’re quite happy where we are placed,” he said. “We played against Caroline Springs George Cross and won 2-1.
“We had a good first 45 minutes … It was fantastic.”
Georgopolous said they had added about 10 new players so far to build around the core group that they already have.
Among the signings is Benjamin Bowler, who has joined the club from Bentleigh Greens, having previously played at Hume City.
Both of Georgopolous’ sons, Nicholas and Ethan, have joined the club which having played at higher levels.
Sean Grella, who has also played at the Bentleigh Greens, is the other signing that City has announced.
Their Japanese recruit Shion Ohta was set to arrive in the lead up to the game.
“They have come down from playing in higher leagues,” Georgopolous said. “That is what we targeted.
“We picked them up for their capaci;ies and they are quality people as well.”
Georgopolous said last season was a good building block for them at playing at this level.
They are aiming higher this year.
“We had a few injuries towards the back end and we had a few boys in the 23s and 19s on the park,” he said.
“The younger ones couldn’t sustain it for long portions of time. This season we are targeting 50 points and that should get us promotion.
“We finished third last year only missing out by three points.”
Altona City started the season with a 2-1 loss to Essendon Royals.
Altona Magic is set to start its National Premier League season on Monday night against Melbourne Victory.
