DUCKS PUSH TO KEEP UNBEATEN RUN GOING:
DEAKIN Ducks will be looking to extend their unbeaten start to the State League 5 season when they host fifthplaced Gisborne at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds tomorrow night.
Sitting pretty in second spot with two wins and a draw from their opening three fixtures, the new look ‘Students’ have settled their first team squad somewhat after entering the 2018 season with virtually a completely new outfit.
“We’ve had the same team now for the first three games and that has enabled us to settle down and click as a playing group. (And) to be where we are so early in the piece is an added bonus,” Ducks coach Colin Raj said.
“Last week‘s game against West Point was a very tough one indeed.
“They are by far the best opposition we have come up against, so far this year.
“We had to come back from 1-0 down and we conceded what could have been a match deciding goal just a minute before the end of regulation time, but we fought back and managed to equalise deep into stoppage time.”
Attacker Marcus Lindeberg, who was responsible for Deakin’s equaliser in the 98th minute, has been particularly impressive since crossing over from State League 4 outfit Bell Park, having found the back of the net in the last two consecutive matches.
His striking partner Harry Woolley has been in similarly electrifying form, scoring four goals in the opening three rounds.
In the middle of the park, last season’s league best and fairest Mark Hambrook has continued where he left off last year.
Exciting young recruits centre back Ben Kenshole and goalkeeper Will Semple have been early season revelations for the Ducks across their defensive half of the pitch.
“Last week’s fightback has certainly given the boys a lot of belief in themselves and it was a real confidence booster ahead of this weekend’s game,” Raj explained.
The clash between Deakin Ducks and Gisborne at Deakin will kick off at 5pm.