Tara Murray
Gisborne is where it wants to be in the FV state league 5 west season.
The Sky Blues sit in third spot at the halfway point of the season, with more wins than they had the whole of last season in state league 4.
Coach Carlos Grande said it had been a really good first half of the season.
“We had an influx of players in the pre-season and we’ve got a good mix there,” he said.
“It has been great to have not just plenty of Gisborne boys in there, but some reinforcement.
“Our main focus at the club is the culture and staying really true to being a community club.
“It is hard to get down there on a Saturday afternoon, but the supporters have been really good and we’re getting a bit of a crowd.
“We’re sitting where we want to be.”
Grande said he really believes in what the club and his side are doing and he’s trying to instil the belief in the playing group.
He said getting wins on the board also helps with that confidence.
“I’m a coach that believes in whatever player we have,” he said. “We believe in who we have at the club and really create that team environment.
“It is contagious to the rest of the team… Credit to the boys.
“We do play some good football and are staying together and playing as one team. We’re all playing for the same goal, to finish as high as we can.”
The Sky Blues had a bye on the weekend, with a catch up round being played.
Grande said he wasn’t a fan of byes and wanted to keep the momentum going.
“I believe in the boys will train hard for two weeks and get ready for the big clash against Bendigo City which we are ahead of by two weeks.”
With a strong start to the season, the Sky Blues have put themselves into promotion contention.
The side is five points behind second placed Deakin Ducks and 13 points behind top side Lara United.
While sitting in a good position, Grande said they weren’t looking ahead at what might be.
“We don’t talk about promotion,” he said. “We got into every Saturday wanting to get the three points.
“Towards the end of the season that maybe be a discussion. Our focus is to keep winning and want to have our under-16s stay at the club and go up to under-17s, under-18s and then into the reserves.
“That is the key element we want to achieve.”
