Don’t get complacent

NORTH Geelong coach Luciano Trani has urged his players to draw on the Geelong-Melbourne rivalry when preparing for this week’s clash against Brunswick City.

With more than 50 per cent of the Warriors squad coming from the Greater Geelong region, Trani said the club is starting to form a connection that can be used as an advan- tage when coming up against the many Melbourne-based sides they’ll face this season.

“It’s important they see that they can contribute to something they can be proud of, knowing there is a strong challenge of a region against a city,” Trani said.

“I see that as a point of difference when someone senses a responsibility within their own home town to have pride and belief that they will play for the shirt.”

The Warriors will be attempting to make today’s match their sixth win in a row against Brunswick, however Trani admitted he doesn’t want form and history to create a skewed perception of the opposition.

Brunswick was beaten convincingly last week by Melbourne Victory, a team that the Warriors defeated in Round 1, but Trani said his players have no reason to be complacent.

“We give a reminder that we have a squad of players who are going to miss out every week and everyone wants to play, everyone has that burning desire to represent North Geelong,” he said. “Anyone that’s earned the right to play has a responsibility to maintain those disciplines.

“It’s our challenge to make sure the players don’t get caught up underestimating the game, the moment they do, it will backfire.”

The Warriors squad will re- main similar to the side who drew to Whittlesea Ranges, with only defender Nick Anderson under an injury cloud after coming off before halftime last week.

For Trani however, each game is just part of the bigger picture in continuing the growth of football in Geelong and establishing an emotional attachment with the region.

The overarching goal would to be seeing a change in the public’s image of the Warriors and the pathways to becoming professional.

“I want to create a scenario where the community wants to watch and support the team and follow the players’ journeys from junior to senior levels.

“I want future fans of the game to say, I want to play for my region because I don’t have to travel to other parts of the country and if I was to play professionally, I could play in my own home town.”