Rarely is the underlying sub-plot of a football game bigger than the game itself, but in the case of Box Hill United’s away fixture to Heidelberg United, which ended in a narrow 1-0 win, it comes mighty close.
You see, the brave travelling warriors that staved off Heidelberg’s attacking threat for 90 minutes were nearly all ironically former Warriors.
Penny Bakopoulos, Renee Zairis, and Angie Rassias all plied their trade for the Bergers in 2014 under the stewardship of John Kyrgios, the now Box Hill manager, while Demi Kallianis on the wing and Elise Kyrgios on the bench were also amongst those to make the move.
The latter three all formed part of the new look Box Hill defence, which last season leaked an average of 2.3 goals per game.
2015 is a different story completely, with the girls boasting the equal tightest defence in the league, with a paltry four goals conceded to date.
The last two weeks have not only seen two clean sheets, but also more importantly two wins and Penny Bakopoulos, a central cog in the newly formed defence, believes that the winning feeling has helped the squad come together.
“I think that it’s taken a while to gel together as a team, so these last two week getting two wins under our belt is a good effort from all the girls mixing well together,” Bakopoulos said.
“I’m really proud of the girls in defence and the midfielders dropping back today. I think everyone played well and the clean sheet definitely helps.”
While the return to Olympic Village may not have been the picturesque setting that the former players had imagined – with play forced away from the main stadium in favour of their second pitch located 100 meters away – it still paved the way for memories to flood back from their old stomping ground.
But it was a case of been there, done that for Bakopoulos, who’s had experience playing against old teammates as she lined up against former side South Melbourne with Heidelberg last season.
“I’ve [played against a former team before], and this time was no different to last time. It’s always a bit of a touchy subject, but it was all right.
“I think that [us former Heidelberg players] went out today like any other game; we want the three points and we’ll do anything for them.
“There may have been a few people a bit more determined, but as for myself, it was just like any other game.”
The move south has begun to reap the rewards for the crafty defender, who has enjoyed her football as a result of an easy transition into the club’s culture, made possible by the playing roster and welcoming backroom staff.
“The club’s great, the committee members and everyone else have been fantastic at welcoming us, and I’m happy for the move.
“[Also] the group of girls is something that I haven’t experienced before. The character of the girls is very relaxed, very easy going and they get along with everyone, so I’m really enjoying that.”
The win on the weekend launches Box Hill to seventh on the WPL Victoria ladder, with a massive game against South Melbourne awaiting this Saturday at Lakeside Stadium