Lions keen to get on front foot

AFTER a tumultuous week off the pitch, Geelong SC players and coaching staff are exclusively focusing on on-field matters and capturing three points against top side St Albans at Stead Park tonight.

With the highly publicised drama surrounding last Saturday night stealing the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, players and coaching staff have opted not to talk to the Geelong Advertiser this week ahead of tonight’s cut-throat Round 26 clash.

Late Thursday night, the club released a statement concerning a brawl at its reverse raffle last Saturday night which saw a man charged with assaulting a police officer.

“As the incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, the club will not be making any specific comments on the matter other than to notify that a number of individuals have been suspended indefinitely pending completion of the police investigation and any outcome following that investigation,” the statement read.

“The club is extremely disappointed by the incident and wishes to emphasise that the events that occurred are not representative of the culture and values that are displayed by the overwhelming majority of volunteers, supporters and members who contribute in so many positive ways to our club.

“The club is registered with Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports Program and will work closely with the program to continue to do everything possible to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all.”

With just three games remaining, seventh-placed Geelong needs to secure sixth spot — currently held by Brunswick City, which has a three point advantage over the Lions as well as a plus-nine superior goal difference — in order to remain in next season’s second tiered NPL division.

The Lions are likely to go into tonight’s game against the Saints with an unchanged lineup to the one that narrowly defeated Goulburn Valley Suns 1-0 last week.

They will need to overcome a side that well and truly has the wood over it.