It was a revolving door at Truganina during the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 4 west off season, so coach Sergio Lunedai went into the season with a hint of trepidation.
The Hornets boss was not about to make any outlandish statements about where the team could finish this season because he truthfully did not know how all the new players would mesh.
“We’re working, seeing what we can do, as long as we’re safe,” Lunedai said of the expectations.
“We changed a lot of players from last year, so our aim is to try and have a comfortable season, not fighting to stave off relegation.
“They’re fitting in pretty well, so I was confident we’d come out with a good result [in round one].”
Truganina offered up a tasty entree of what they could serve up with some brilliant performances in the FFA Cup.
The Hornets hammered Glen Waverley 6-1, toppled Corio 2-1 and then beat Essendon United 1-0 to be one of the last remaining state league 4 sides in the competition.
So, the Hornets had form, but the real test was going to be the league opener, and they passed that assignment with flying colours on Saturday, trouncing Melbourne City 6-0 at Arndell Park Reserve.
Lunedai was smiling from ear to ear after watching the Hornets win with a six-pack.
“It was round one, so everyone was a bit nervous for the start of the season,” he said.
“The nerves only lasted about 20 minutes.
“After the first goal, they started to relax and play like they had done in the pre-season.
“We’re happy with what we did in the first game.”
Truganina incredibly had two players score hat-tricks on the day.
Stand-in skipper Federico Rossini and second half substitute Achol Nai each bagged three goals.
Rossini actually required stitches mid game after a stray elbow to the face, but it did not stop him from adding second and third goals to his tally. “We gave him the nickname of the Lion King because you can’t stop him,” Lunedai said. “We had to stitch him up because he got an elbow in the face, but after that he scored two goals.
“He went back on and scored a cracker from 20 yards.
“He showed how a captain should be on the pitch.
“He’s a leader, he’s the man to follow and he gives 100 per cent in everything he does.”
Nai was an inspired choice to come on as a sub in the second half. The target man scored his three goals in the space of about 25 minutes.
“He’s a big dude, probably seven-foot tall, he’s just enormous,” Lunedai said.
“He was the card I had up my sleeve.
“Him and Federico were just too much for Melbourne City.
“He’s so clinical in front of goals.”
Truganina will turn its attention back to the FFA Cup on Easter weekend.
The Hornets will have their toughest test to date against NPL club Whittlesea Ranges at Arndell Park Reserve on Saturday at 2pm.
Lunedai opted for the 2pm kick-off so Wyndham soccer fans can get to both the Hornets game and the local derby between Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing just over the bridge at Saltwater Reserve from 4.30pm.
Werribee City is also alive in the cup, playing against Avondale at Galvin Park at 2pm.
