When second-placed Deakin hosts competition frontrunner Lara United in the Men’s State League 5 top-of-the-table clash on Saturday, the Ducks will be looking to end the visitors eight match winning streak.
Buoyed by their red-hot form of late, which has seen the Ducks win their last three matches with a goal average of almost four a game, Deakin coach Sam Robinson cannot wait for Saturday’s derby at Deakin’s “Pond”.
“We’re really excited for the challenge of taking on Lara this weekend,” Robinson said, adding that the team spirit at Deakin was a contributing factor to his team’s success this year.
“I’ve been really impressed with our boys so far. We have a fairly new squad from last year, but everyone has bought into the Ducks’ culture and we are really enjoying playing football together.”
Robinson holds high praise for his Lara counterpart, Eric Lawrence, whose team has not dropped a point after the opening eight rounds. “Eric has been doing some great work there for a few years and they’re seeing the benefits,” he said. “They have a lot of talent across the park. McGrath is always a threat upfront and adding Lindeberg, who has the ability to control games, that adds another layer to their game.”
Both Alex Millwood and Damon Van Bergeijk are set to return to Deakin’s squad.
Saturday’s game at Deakin University kicks off at 3:00pm.
(From the Geelong Advertiser, written by Tonci Prusac)
