Oliver Lees
Hoppers Crossing coach Kevin Smart is confident his side can get off to a hot start in the FV men’s state league 2 north-west season.
The Reds were triumphant in the first hit out of the Australia Cup competition, beating Whittlesea Ranges 2-1 on March 8 to progress to round four.
Smart, who is in his first season as coach, said it was an encouraging result given they were without some players.
“It was a very good win seeing as we had six players missing,” he said.
Liam Zacharias was among the new recruits to shine on debut for the Reds.
In the first minute of the game, Zacharias pounced on an open ball and landed it in the top corner of the goal.
“It’s one of the best goals I’ve seen in 20 years,” Smart said.
Smart said he was also impressed with the showing of 17-year-old Miles Marich who stepped in to fill the void.
Forbes Nyatsanza was the other goal scorer for the Reds on the day, with Emile Damey netting for the Ranges.
Last season’s best and fairest winner Josh McColl was another stand out as goalkeeper, making four saves when one-on-one with an attacking player.
Smart said the cup match will give them confidence going into their round one match up, where they will play the Ranges again on this Saturday at Grange Reserve.
After an up and down 2023 campaign that saw the Reds finish in 10th place, Smart said offence is a priority.
In 2023 the side managed six wins, three draws and 13 losses and finished with a -19 goal difference.
He’s hoping to implement a more attacking style of play among his team by using an aggressive 4-4-2 formation to have greater range across the midfield.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing proactive football,” he said.
“We’re trying to be more proactive rather than being a counter-attacking team and try to excite the fans.
“If they score three, we’ll score four.”
The Reds will play the Brimbank Stallions in the next round of the Australia Cup.
The club has had encouraging rates of participation this season with 32 junior teams signed up.
Smart said he’s looking forward to the challenge.
“They’re a state one side, so it’ll be a good test for the lads under the lights,” he said.
In other first round matches, Point Cook will face Diamond Valley United in state league 3 north-west, West Point will face Barwon and Truganina Hornets will face Melbourne City in state league 4 west, and in state league 5 west, Wyndham will play Surfside Waves and Tarneit United will play Spring Hills.
