Gallery | GV Suns continue bright start to pre-season

By Daniel Webb

Jan 30, 2023

Strong performance: GV Suns' Joe Adoo-Peters in action against Altona City on Saturday. Photos: Lynne Weir Photo by Lynne Weir

The Goulburn Valley Suns continued their bright start to 2023 over the weekend, producing another impressive victory.

Welcoming State League One side Altona City to McEwen Reserve for the Saturday morning clash, the Suns ran out 3-0 winners in a strong pre-season performance.

Speaking after the contest, Suns coach Craig Carley said it was a good game for his side.

“They (Altona) were a very physical side, they actually had two players sent off but we allowed them to bring players back on so we were playing against 11 the whole time,” Carley said.

“For me it was a step up in competition in terms of opposition.

“The boys responded really well, it was pleasing to see their fitness and how they pressed off the ball and worked hard for the team.”

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On the ball: Shepparton South's Sean Grant makes his way through traffic against the GV Suns' under-21s. Photo by Lynne Weir

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Under pressure: GV Suns' Taku Hishida battles an opponent for the ball. Photo by Lynne Weir

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In space: GV Suns under-21 Declan Kinnane looks for an option against Shepparton South. Photo by Lynne Weir

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Eyes on the ball: GV Suns' Adam Gatcum. Photo by Lynne Weir

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On the attack: GV Suns' Brandon Giaccherini. Photo by Lynne Weir

Admitting that his side could have scored more goals, Carley said results were irrelevant during the pre-season.

Labelling the contest a “worthwhile” game, the Suns’ gaffer said the club’s imports once again performed well.

“Joe Adoo-Peters was excellent at centre-back with longer to recover from jet lag and Taku (Hishida) came on in the second half and did well,” Carley said.

“He (Taku) scored a penalty for our third goal and we saw what he’s capable of, he’s getting better and better.”

Joining Hishida on the score sheet was Willie Sauiluma and Oriol Fernandez.

With the Suns’ final two imports — Russell Currie and Jake Brocklebank — now joining the squad, the side is starting to come together.

While the Suns’ seniors battled Altona City, the club’s under-21s battled Shepparton South’s senior side.

Played at the same time as the senior clash, the young Suns held South to a 2-2 draw, with the side “holding a good account of themselves” against strong opposition.