HOPPERS Crossing made it five straight Football Federation Victoria pre-season victories with a 2-1 win over new boys Point Cook at Grange Reserve on Saturday.
The Reds have had to deploy a vastly diff-erent line-up to the one that claimed the last premiership in the now defunct provisional league 2 north-west.
There will also be a lot of changes to the make-up of the side when it takes to the field in the state league 4 west season opener next month.
Coach Joey Vella said the side was tracking well in the absence of a number of first team regulars.
But results are not the be all, end all, and that includes their FFV state knockout cup run, which enters the third round on Saturday when Balmoral arrives at Hogans Road.
“This part of the year, you’re still treating it as practice games,” Vella said. “It’s all about match fitness and you’re not going to risk anyone who is not 100 per cent. Having said that, once you’re out on the park, you want to win.”
The Reds are still up in the air as to what their starting XI will look like for round one.
Three championship-winning players, brothers Drew and Brett Gilmore and Tom Orndahl, will not be there. Drew is undecided about his football future but the travel from Geelong is believed to have taken its toll, Brett has signed with Westgate, Orndahl has moved to Sydenham Park. Star striker Alister Smart, was set to make a transfer to Westgate before being struck down with a knee injury. He could make a surprise return.
The Reds have no shortage of willing takers for the vacant positions. Their side has largely been based around youth in practice matches and several are staking a claim.
The club has brought in Brian Chesson from higher division Werribee City and Dandenong.
The seasoned campaigner adds much-needed experience in the middle of the park and his quality distribution will prove invaluable in a promotion year.
