City chasing the perfect season

CELEBRATIONS for a fourth consecutive S-League title have been temporarily put on hold by Mildura City as they aim to close out a perfect season.

The senior men’s side’s 19-0 walloping of Three Colours last Sunday gave the Kenny Park side an unassailable lead in the race for this year’s championship with two rounds remaining.

The undefeated City however want to keep their perfect record intact, against Mildura United this week and runners-up-in-waiting Irymple Knights the following week, as well as the finals series for the chance to earn another trophy.

Co-coach Jacob Rodi said he wants the squad to maintain their game-by-game mentality.

“We would like to go into these final two games, and the finals series afterwards, with the same mindset we’ve had, so we’ll re-visit celebrations in the coming weeks,” he said.

“We tend to take everything game by game, we like to go in with an open mind and don’t like to get ahead of ourselves.”

“We would always like to win but if we rewound four years ago I’m not sure we would have thought we’d win the next four titles.

“It was quite a big win, but the position we got ourselves in ahead of the match was probably the more pleasing aspect.

“I think it shows how well we’ve prepared all year.”

Alongside an experienced attack including Nicolas Woods, Brandon Pollifrone and Dominic Ghidinelli, City’s stingy defence has been exceptional.

Rodi, Joseph Muscatello and Sam Bozzi have again played pivotal roles, while the inclusion of Jay Skarpona has also been welcome.

“Over the course of practice games, pre-season and the in-season games I believe we’ve only conceded two goals combined which is really pleasing,” Rodi said.

“We’re stoked with how things have played out (in defence). It’s essentially the same back four we’ve had for the past few years but with the addition of Jay in the fold as well.”

The added development of youngsters like Campbell Brown, Taylan Karakurt and Lleyton Pain has also been a source of pride for City.

“We’re rapt with how some of these younger guys have played throughout the year and the consistency they’ve shown,” Rodi said.

“The team as a whole has been consistent but when they’ve needed to these have stood up when required so we’re really happy with them.

“We always saw they had the ability so to see them flourish has been great.”

Also on Sunday, Three Colours will try to bounce back against Nichols Point, while the Pointers and City face-off in the day’s senior women’s fixture.