PETER DiGiorgi has returned to the club of his parents, and after two games as Three Colours’ senior men’s coach, he believes the team’s fortunes will soon change for the better.
Three Colours has had mixed results to start DiGiorgi’s reign as coach.
In round one, they were handily defeated 7-nil by Mildura City but managed a 1-nil victory against a young Mildura United in round two.
But DiGiorgi said Three Colours would welcome players with “premiership” experience into the fold as they prepared to face Irymple Knights in a night match at Aero oval this weekend.
“Up until now, we haven’t really started with a full-strength line-up,” DiGiorgi said.
“We’ve got probably three or four key players, in my opinion … (that) once they come back into the side, we should be very competitive.
“We’re expecting to get two of those players back (this weekend) and maybe a couple on the bench.
“They’re pushing towards the 29-30 mark, which is an ideal age. They’ve played in premierships before.”
DiGiorgi and said his early season focus was improving the squad’s fitness and he said if that were to occur, Three Colours would be more competitive in coming weeks, including against the premiers.
“If our fitness level gets to a certain level, then we can compete against City. And if we get our full squad, we will be very competitive,” he said
DiGiorgi, who played seven seasons for Mildura City during the 1980s, said the decision to coach Three Colours for the first time was simple: it was due to the passion of his parents.
“It means the world to me because my parents have been involved with the club and that’s why I’m there. They’ve been involved in the club for many, many years.”
While he admitted it was early days and he was still getting to know his players, DiGiorgi said he hoped to have Three Colours play a “European” style of football, meaning a combination of one-two balls and some long balls.
But whatever the formation, DiGiorgi said the first goal was to be a collaborative coach. He said his decisions on formations and line-ups would make room for input from his players.
“I’ve got to take advice from some of the senior players that have also played together for a number of years,” he said.
“You have got to have a good bond and connection with your team, if you’re gonna go forward. Part of being a good coach is (opening) your ears up and listening.”
Three Colours kicks off their match against Irymple at Aero Oval at 7pm.
