Goulburn Valley Suns are off to a flyer in the Victorian National Premier League Three season, clipping the Boroondara Eagles’ wings in a well-rounded 4-0 performance.
Under sweltering conditions at Shepparton’s McEwen Reserve, Scottish import Russell Currie shone brightest as he slammed home a hat-trick on debut to supplement Brandon Giaccherini’s strike.
Rapt with the result, coach Craig Carley couldn’t have been more pleased at the final whistle.
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Searching: Jake Brocklebank scans for a team mate. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 8
Keeping it ticking: Taku Hishida holds off his man. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 8
Long ball: Joe Adoo-Peters goes over the top. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 8
Getting physical: Greg Nash battles with his marker. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 8
Huddle up: GV Suns chat tactics ahead of kickoff. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 8
Target man: Russell Currie keeps the defender at bay. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 8
Defensive presence: Geordie Lelliott was a force at the back. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 8
Composed: Jake Brocklebank barks some orders. Photo by Megan Fisher“I thought it was a very composed performance, everyone worked very hard and it was great to get the season off to a good start,” Carley said.
“I’m obviously pleased to score the four goals and keep a clean sheet at the other end as well.
“Last season was obviously a very tough season – these boys are battlers that we’ve got this year.”
Battlers were needed on both sides as the mercury hovered around 38°C at McEwen Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
Conditions played a part early in the game with both sides unable to capitalise on early chances, but the game would be blown open in the 37th minute as Suns import Jake Brocklebank sent a piledriver goalward from range.
The shot pinged off the crossbar and found the feet of Currie, who made no mistake from six yards to give his side the ascendancy.
No less than two minutes later, he’d add another.
A looping cross from the left courtesy of Taku Hishida found the Scotsman’s head, tapping home from close range after his initial effort was parried by Eagles custodian Gavin Watson.
A searing finish to the first half would be matched by an equally white-hot start to the second, with Giaccherini slotting home from close proximity some 30 seconds after the restart.
However, Currie would not be outdone and saved his best for last with five minutes to play.
Shunting his man off the ball, the imposing forward strode forward and sent a missile from 25 yards past the flailing arms of Watson to cap a sublime day out.
Currie was humble when quizzed about his display, noting Suns fans can expect plenty more net-rippling cameos throughout the season.
“I don’t think it was a great performance, I think I was in the right place at the right time,” he said.
“The last goal was a bit more special, but I just tried to work as hard as I could for the team.
“Hopefully when I get my fitness back properly and I’m firing on all cylinders I’ll have more to offer.”
In the earlier fixture, the Suns’ under-21s set the benchmark by downing the Eagles 2-0.
Jude Crichton struck in the 23rd minute, while Marcus Thomas capitalised from the spot late in the piece to seal all three points.