The season is a mere 90 minutes old, but there is already a lot to like about the Truganina Hornets.
The Hornets have put the rest of the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 4 west competition on notice, ruthlessly dismantling neighbours Point Cook in the first Wyndham derby of the year at Arndell Park Reserve on Saturday night.
An expectant Hornets president Sergio Lunedei told anyone who would listen in the preseason that his side would be a force to be reckoned with after retaining the bulk of last year’s squad and replacing those who left with quality imports from the local leagues and abroad.
The actions of the players spoke louder than any words he could muster after a five-goal second half scoring spree led to the stunning 6-0 drubbing of the Jets.
After the big first-up win, Lunedei reiterated the Hornets’ desire to take the next step this season and become a feared team in the league.
“The depth that we have this year is more than last year and the quality of the players we have is just outstanding.
“We should be playing for the top position,” he told Star Weekly.
The Hornets have placed a major emphasis on defending their home turf.
They want to turn their impressive Federation Boulevard home into a fortress and win over the local sporting community.
The Jets only had to travel a mere 7.8 kilometres for the match, but it must have felt like they went to hell and back after they were battered from pillar to post.
“We will do whatever is possible to make it tough for any opponent to come to our ground,” Lunedei said.
“It’s a must-win for us always at home. We don’t want to drop any points at home.”
The Hornets dictated the game with the high-possession style of play.
They applied constant pressure on the Jets defence and only in the second half did it show on the scoreboard.
The pulse of the Hornets midfield was newcomer Luca Marongiu.
The Italian import shone in all facets to be the driving force in a team that was nigh on flawless.
“The whole team was just super the way they played, but Luca was outstanding,” Lunedei said.
“Nothing went past him – he was too much for the other team.
“He attacks, he knows how to defend, he gets us out of bad situations.
“He’s a complete player.”
Chris Scavo was the most dangerous Hornet on the front line. The striker finished with a hat-trick, but could’ve even had more.
“He was getting into a lot of great positions,” Lunedei said. “He could’ve scored three or four more.”
Jordan Borg scored a double and Marco Andreasi put home the other.
The Hornets were just as pleased with the clean sheet, which defender Mario Marongiu – the brother of Luca – had a big part to play.
“He was a rock at the back,” Lunedei said.
Coming up
The Hornets nest will be buzzing again on Saturday night with Sebastopol Vikings coming to Arndell Park Reserve, while Point Cook will be looking forward to the sanctuary of their home turf at Saltwater Reserve, when they entertain Maribyrnong Greens on Saturday afternoon.
