High hopes for club chasing its first premiership

A CHANCE to create history by bringing home its first men’s premier division title in the club’s 38-year history is driving the Alstonville men’s team in the Football Far North Coast competition.

Villa has been on the cusp of the grand final in recent years, having lost a preliminary final against eventual premiers South Lismore in 2022.

A core group of players has stayed together, with the club currently second on the ladder and banking quality wins in a rain-affected season.

Success this year would be significant – its home ground at Crawford Park has been closed for upgrades this season, while its training base has moved to Wollongbar.

All its matches have been played at opposition venues.

“We haven’t got a home ground and playing every game away is another challenge,” coach Andreas Zubani said.

“But they’ve really embraced that, and they’re focused on achieving something that has never been done at premier level.

“We don’t want to get too carried away with it at this stage though, there is plenty of work ahead of us.”

Lachie Beare, Harrison Hunt and Thomas Bazar recently made their premier league debuts in a 3-0 win over Goonellabah.

Zubani said he has been running younger players from under-16s on the bench, with most of the team under the age of 25.

The competition has already thrown up some surprises this year with Mullumbimby Brunswick Valleys claiming its first silverware after winning the Anzac Cup.

“We didn’t go as well as we wanted to in the Anzac Cup this year, but we’ve had some good results since then,” Zubani said.

“We’ve been close the last few years; we’re trying to build on that and take the next step up.

“There have been disruptions with wet weather, and we’ve had to train at other venues, but it’s all part of it.

“I’m really happy with the commitment where they’ve trained on weekends and put all the distractions aside.”

The top five consists of Alstonville, Byron Bay, Bangalow, South Lismore and Richmond Rovers. Bangalow is aiming to win a third-straight premiership this year, while Alstonville has a season-defining game against Byron Bay on Saturday, July 12.