NORTH Geelong’s return to the annual Geelong Community Cup, after four years, has been deemed a major success by coaching officials despite finishing in 3rd spot and not making the Final of the Men’s Division last Sunday.
According to U18s coach Ahmad Suleimi, who undertook the bulk of the coaching commitments with the extremely young squad representing the Warriors in last weekend’s event at Stead Park, it was an impressive outcome given a very young side was put to the pitch and expressed such maturity.
“Our main goal for the weekend was to win as many games as possible with a young squad and to do so in alignment with our 18s/20s/senior objectives for cup games,” explained the ever popular Ahmad.
“That means we play at peak performance plus player management, explore multiple playing systems plus game management, as well as identify opponent structures and varying football scenarios,” he added.
The Warriors defeated Barwon 3-1 and lost to a full strength Geelong 0-1in their two group games on Saturday.
In the Third Place Play-off game on Sunday, effectively an Under 18 North side defeated Bell Park 3-0 with young Jordyn Cervinski opening the scoring for the Warriors after just 11 minutes.
Cervinski, whose father Adrian was a prolific scorer for North Geelong in the cup tournament during the 1990s, looked sharp in attack for the Warriors as did the rest of his teammates.
In the second half, goals by Max Noggler and his cousin and the only regular Senior squad member Jamie sealed the bronze medal placing for the Warriors.
“It was a real credit to our young boys who held their own against experienced opponents, as our average age throughout the weekend was just 18 years!” said Ahmad, praising his young charges.
“In the end, most importantly, the weekend was about our young players being comfortable in possession and adapting to various situations and enjoying performance phase football with total confidence,” he concluded.
The future certainly looks bright at Elcho Park with all the young talent coming up through the ranks and a huge 2020 season awaits all Warriors’ fans!
