By Josip Zilic
For the first time this season North Geelong Warriors displayed how punishing it could be in front of goal, putting four past Box Hill during last weekend’s encounter in NPL2.
However, the Warriors also received a reminder of how vital it is to remain focussed on defensive responsibilities after letting two late goals through to set up a tense finish to the 4-3 win.
Coming to the Warriors this weekend is a resurgent Whittlesea Ranges. Having recently parted ways with enigmatic coach Gianfranco Impellezeri and installing Tony Ciantar, the Ranges have picked their form up, beating highly fancied St Albans and Melbourne City along the way.
Solidifying them are recent acquisitions including former Warrior Andrew Doig in the middle of the park, who will be sure to be up for the challenge of facing his old side.
The uplift in performance from Whittlesea sees it move away from the relegation spot by six points, which is currently held by Sunshine.
North Geelong’s move up to third should inspire the youthful side to see how far it can push itself, bringing together a five-game unbeaten streak that included four matches without conceding is a sign of where the side can head.
With the recent form progressing, and the emerging development of young forward Jamie Noggler being rewarded with a cracker of a long-range goal last week, as well as Darius Madison finding the net three times in recent matches, the coaches will undoubtedly be excited about the prospects to come.
Opportunities will no doubt come because Anthony Banovac is out of selection for four weeks while overseas and Ryan Opperman is recovering from a foot injury, opening the door for others to grab a starting spot.
This weekend’s action begins 12:45pm at Elcho Park with the under-20s looking to turnaround its performances of late after cruelly going down 1-0 last week.
