Tara Murray
Sunbury United’s depth has been on show in the opening rounds of the FV state league 3 north-west season.
After dropping their opening round match, United has won their last two matches on the back of some solid form. United sit fourth after three rounds.
With several new players in the squad, United president Greg Czapnik said they were starting to see a number of different players step up.
“We should have got something out of the first game as well,” he said. “We’ve had two really solid performances the last two weeks.
“We had three starters out against Diamond Valley, but we showed our depth which is really good.
“The guys came in and did a good job, the coaches have some headaches coming.”
Czapnik said in the early stages they were finding that their depth was a lot deeper than last season. He said many of the group would be starting players at other sides.
Despite some players not getting the minutes they would elsewhere, Czapnik said the group was really clicking.
“The new guys have bought in,” he said. “Everything is really amicable and it’s a great bunch of guys.
“Everyone gets on with each other and there’s no egos. That is translating on the park.”
Czapnik said they had picked up some really good players.
Matthew Campelj is a 19-year-old who has played and played really solid football. Czapnik said they had said to the younger players that if they were good enough they would play.
Damian Rastocic has come across from Strathmore and scored in the last two games.
Nicholas Jurcic is another who has come across from Strathmore.
Jake Zomaya and Rakan Flifel have both added a different dimension to the side with significant pace.
Jayden Mercieca returns for another stint at the club, while Nicholaus Woolward is an experienced goalkeeper.
Rhys Main and Nam Pham both showed they were pushing for permanent starting spots in United’s last win, with Pham best on ground in his first start.
United are set to play Fawkner on Monday night in their round four clash.
Czapnik said while the signs were good early on, he knows there’s still plenty of work to do.
“It’s been a great start, but it’s a long season. We’ll be relying on luck to keep everyone fit so we can play with a full squad.”
Gisborne are set to face Truganina Hornets on Saturday.
