With success comes greater expectation and there is an extra sense of anticipation surrounding Sebastopol Vikings FFV state league three north-west season opener.
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Fresh off promotion, the Vikings have added nine players to its squad and on face-value looks like it has strengthened its side enough to make a smooth transition to the higher grade.
Coach Corey Smith can feel a heightened expectation on the group but he couldn’t be happier with his squad’s preparation.
"Expectations are gaining momentum rapidly, because one, we got promoted last year, and two, we've signed a lot of players - so the expectation and the buzz around the club is high, which obviously adds pressure,” Smith said.
"Our pre-season's be strong, but it really doesn't count for anything until the season starts.
"I'm never fully satisfied, but if I compare where we are now to last year, and obviously we need to be better because we're in a better league, but are we ready for round 1? I would say the answer is definitely yes.
"But the expectation within the squad is pretty simple - every game we give everything to get the most points possible.”
Smith said he will have a selection headache on his hands, believing he has 26 players capable of playing senior soccer, but only 11 starting spots to fit them.
This headache will create fierce competition for spots.
"I'm definitely going to have a headache for selection this week.
"For some players, it will be how they respond to playing in a side that if they perform they keep their spot and if they don't they lose their spot. Some players rise to that challenge and some players find that difficult.”
No doubt there will be a number of new faces pulling on the Vikings guernsey and with new faces often comes a period of time where the side gels together – Smith does not believe that will be an issue.
"I think that's enough time (at least three practice games) for them to get used to playing with other players.
"I thought our performance on the weekend (4-1 win over Kings Domain) was a little bit disjointed...but the core of our side will be the same as previously.
"The additions add to that, they definitely don't take over the side.”
Vikings will begin its campaign on Saturday against Fawkner at St Georges Reserve, the side it beat in penalties in last year’s playoff game.