North Geelong is set for the biggest match in its recent history against South Melbourne tonight.
NPL - ROUND 2
NORTH Geelong goalkeeper Daniel Zilic believes today’s blockbuster against South Melbourne is the ideal opportunity for his side to announce itself.
The Warriors, back in the state’s top-flight for the first time since 1997, lost their season opener 2-0 at Bentleigh Greens last week despite an outstanding performance from Zilic.
And Victoria will be watching today as South Melbourne – four-time champions of Australia and last season’s NPL Victoria winners – come to Elcho Park for a 5pm kick-off.
Zilic has called on North Geelong’s fans to make themselves heard.
“It’s some way to kick off the season (at home),” he said.
“I grew up watching South Melbourne and Melbourne every week though,” he said. “We lost our way and needed half-time to regroup. We played some good football in the second half but we need to play 90 minutes (today).
“We definitely know it’s a challenge in the top-flight. The quality and pace of other sides … we will get punished for our mistakes. It’s great we got promoted and we deserve it. The boys still have lots of improvement left in them (though).”
Even the most optimistic Warriors fan would realise South Melbourne represents a significant test. Chris Taylor’s side has added the likes of Jake Barker-Daish, David Stirton, Kristian Konstantinidis and Andy Brennan to its squad in the off-season and is one of the favourites to win the 2015 title. South beat last season’s runners-up, Oakleigh, 1-0 last week.
South could be facing a Warriors side that includes 17year-old Nikola Jurkovic from the start, with Michael Grgic likely to miss with a hamstring injury. Zilic is confident that Jurkovic – a second-half substitute at Bentleigh – has what it takes to cause problems for the champions. “He’s got a good work ethic and plays simply. He has a football brain. Being 17, it’ll be a great experience for him and I’m confident in his ability,” he said.
Nathan Long has recovered from a hamstring problem and is in line to start for North Geelong.