By Josip Zilic
North Geelong Warriors’ 2017 campaign finished how it started – dominating a much-fancied opponent only to suffer two cruel late goals and go down 2-1.
Despite the bottom-of-the-table finish for the senior team, there were many rays of sunshine to warm the hearts of the Warriors.
Developing juniors, notably, a strong-performing under 20 team will provide selection headaches for the 2018 pre-season.
Led by Mick Svaljek for the past two seasons, the under-20s have developed and matured significantly since their 2014 introduction to National Premier Leagues. In 2016, the squad finished third in NPL2.
With the senior team’s promotion to top tier football, the under-20 team continued to develop against Victoria’s best young footballers in NPL.
Their season was remarkable, finishing second to eventual champions South Melbourne.
Throughout the entire season, the Warriors jostled with South, with the top spot changing hands several times, adding to the excitement each week.
Svaljek, assistant coach Ahmad Sulaimi and manager Jared Svaljek were glowing in praise of their charges.
“The boys have been fantastic all year, accepting the challenges and putting in a terrific pre-season where focus was on conditioning,” Svaljek said.
“The squad reaped the rewards, finishing runner-up against the best young footballers in the country, all credit goes to the side for their commitment, hard work and unity.”
With the senior and under-20 team back in NPL2 West in 2018, the club, like many, will be reviewing its lists and strategy to build a successful period.
The club will look to its up and coming youth and further regional players to add to its depth and rebuild to take on Victoria’s best again.
