The shackles were broken in a sprightly 45 minutes for the once goal shy Avondale FC, who surpassed their total of two goals from their previous six league games in a monster spell led by new signing Francesco Stella.
The high-profile transfer, in only his second league start, laid on two assists in a complete performance – amply backed up by other newbies Matthew Sanders and Mass Murdocca – to pile on three unanswered goals to secure a 3-0 victory over Port Melbourne.
That win was also their first in seven league games – five if you include a penalty shootout win, ironically also over the Sharks in the FFA Cup – and it could also prove a crucial one, as relegation no longer looks a serious threat.
Coach Anthony Barbieri was his usual pragmatic self, admitting it was good to see the newcomers settle so well into the side, but signalling at the work ahead to build on their win.
“Obviously it’s good to see the new names integrate themselves into the side. We’ve still got a lot of work to do. I’m pleased for them because it’s a bit of a confidence boost for the new boys,” Barbieri said post-game.
“It’s not always easy coming into the side halfway through the season and integrating themselves into a new team. There’s good character and there’s good spirit in there. The boys that we have recruited are all good personalities.
“I don’t think we’ve been far off [a win] over the last three weeks. I’m really pleased for the boys, for all the hard work that they’ve been putting in.
“I think on reflection, on how the season has gone, that we’re improving week-by-week. Credit to the boys, there’s a good team culture.”
A shock loss to State League 1 side Frankston Pines served as a catalyst for the change in mentality, with Barbieri letting the side know in no uncertain terms that the performance level was unacceptable, the rewards of which they’re reaping now.
“We’re obviously extremely disappointed, not so much about the result, but I was more disappointed about the attitude and the way we performed [against Frankston].
“As a coaching staff we stuck really strong and really expressed to the boys our displeasure at how they performed at Frankston. But all credit to them, they worked really hard the last two weeks on the track and I think it all sort of came together for us.”
With a game against the injury-depleted Heidelberg United next up for the promoted side, Avondale will be hoping to build on their momentum, especially given the FFA Cup chasing Bergers’ short turnaround in fixtures.
“At this level, you understand that you can’t get too carried away because next week is a tough game against Heidelberg – who got beaten [on Friday]. So there are definitely no easy games in this league.
“Heidelberg have only lost two games this year, both of them against Bentleigh. They’re definitely not going to be easy, they’ve got plenty of guns. Going to Heidelberg on a Sunday afternoon is never easy, let alone for a newly promoted club like Avondale Heights.
“It’s going to be extremely tough for us but that’s it. We’ll go out, set ourselves up for what is hopefully a positive performance.”
Olympic Village is the locale for what promises to be a high-octane contest between Avondale FC and Heidelberg United. Kick-off on Sunday afternoon is scheduled for 4:00pm.