By Chelsea Carden
To say last year was disappointing for Nunawading is an understatement, but this season is shaping up in all the right ways for the Division 4 team, who look to be heading straight to the finals.
Low expectations were had for Nunawading this year after their one win season last year – however at the start of Round 5 Nunawading are sitting on 3-1.
President Evan Sofianos said that last year was difficult for the team as they were ‘revamping’ the club, but can feel the difference this year on and off the field.
Sofianos said that it was a credit to Football Operations Manager and Vice- President Stephen Christofakis who recruited the players and coaching staff that the club needed. In the mix of the new players and coaching staff is, David Tremewen – who has added experience and accuracy to the forward line.
“We probably didn’t have the right fit for the club last year and that’s what we needed this year.”
Nunawading are focusing on changing the environment of the club off the field this year also. Sofianos said that their recruitment of players from the Greek community has added a new dynamic to the football club.
“We are having a lot more barbecues and other services available at the same time at our home games and were also setting up a Souvlaki stand also.”
In addition, Sofianos said that more of the younger players are getting more involved by involving more family compared to previous years.
“A lot of the younger boys that were there last year are getting more involved in the club in regards to promoting the club and attending events.”
Last weeks game against Glen Waverley Hawks proved to be a test for Nunawading, nearly letting the game slip out from underneath them. Sofianos said that they probably expected better from the team and that the players still needs to get to know each other and gel as a group.
“We’ve had a few injuries from the first couple of rounds, which has unsettled the lineup. A lot of the players were playing as individuals and once they start playing as a team we will really see if the team is capable of playing finals.”
Nunawading’s start to the season has been inspired – the football community will be watching to see if they can make a stab at the finals this year and work towards more successful seasons.