Tara Murray
Youth is the key for Hoppers Crossing in the FV state league 2 north-west season.
After a tough 2021 season when the side was towards the bottom of the table when the season was called, Hoppers has looked to rebuild this year.
Hoppers Crossing player Kevin Smart said they were pretty excited about what the future might hold for the side.
“It’s a rebuild for this season,” he said.
“Most of the players who ahve been there the last three to four years have looked to move on.
“Allen who was our reserves coach last year, has stepped up to senior coach. We’ve gone with a younger side.”
Smart said many of the playing group were 19, 20 and 21-years-old and had been at the club for a few years.
He said now was about giving them some senior experience.
“Allen is willing to give them a go,” he said.
“They are up to it and they’ve take the opportunity with both hands, especially on the weekend.
“Most of the squad is under-23. I remember 10 years ago when we put together a young side, we won three or four premierships in six years.
“Hopefully that will come to fruition with these guys in the future.”
Smart highlighted Lucas Muscat, Zac Vella and Harry Kilpatrick as three of the young players to watch.
Hoppers Crossing kicked off their state league season on Saturday against Epping City, winning 3-2.
After conceding an early goal, Hoppers Crossing responded soon after.
Hoppers Crossing got on top with two goals inside five minutes of half time.
While Epping City got a consultation goal, it wasn’t enough.
Smart said it was a really strong performance first up.
“We had a lot of new guys and a lot of players making their senior debut . We were 1-0 down pretty early and we could have cracked it.
“We dug deep to step up and get the win.”
Despite a brand new side, Smart said they were aiming to finish in the top half of the table.
“Last year we were third or fourth bottom before COVID,” he said.
“The expectation was to be in the top four, but we didn’t fulfill that. We want to look to finish in the top half this year and win as many games as we can.”
In state league 4 west, Truganina Hornets won 4-1 against Melbourne City, while in state league 5 west, Wyndham lost 3-1 to Ballarat and West Point lost 2-1 to Maribyrnong Greens.
Point Cook was due to play Monday night, after deadline.
