Hat-trick hero Adrian Vranic is quickly adapting to life at Sutherland Sharks as his new club continue their electric start to the 2018 NPL NSW Men’s season.
The Shire based side claimed yet another impressive scalp over the weekend, producing a counterattacking masterclass to secure a 3-0 win at Bonnyrigg White Eagles with Vranic putting the heavyweights to the sword with a trio of clinical finishes.
Despite his impressive haul the former Sydney United 58 attacker remains humble, crediting the result to his team’s incredible defensive display which featured a myriad of blocked shots and last-ditch tackles to keep their highly fancied opponents scoreless.
“The boys at the back had a massive performance at the weekend and pretty much set up everything for the boys up front, including myself,” explained Vranic.
“With boys like Litts (Nick Littler), Tratty (Jacob Tratt), Robbie (Watson), and Kessie (Keisuke Hayashi) we kind of countered off their big challenges at the back and took advantage of our opportunities.
“Even Blair (Brown) in defensive midfield created the early first goal by winning the ball and putting the through ball into Leroy (Jennings).
“It was a good performance; the defence was amazing and hopefully it sets the platform for another twenty games or so to take us into the finals.
“We all believe in each other here and it should be a good season.”
Currently sitting fifth on the ladder, the Sharks are quickly building a reputation as a physical and defensively sound side who are proving difficult to break down despite their youth.
Maintaining this approach will be the formula for success for Grant Lee’s men as they seek their goal of reaching finals football for the first time since 2013.
“We realised in preseason that if we’re to do well this season then we’ve got to focus on defence,” said Vranic.
“We all believe in ourselves going forward and know that if we don’t concede goals then we can pick up results.
“Defence is the main thing, we know we can do it, and so far, so good.
“We’re surprising a lot of people, but we certainly aren’t surprising ourselves.”
Next up Vranic and co. face a big test as they host table-topping APIA Leichhardt Tigers at Seymour Shaw this Saturday night.
The in-form striker is expecting more of the same from his side as they look to build upon their remarkable recent displays.
“It’s a big game, but the last was a big one as well,” said Vranic.
“Considering we’re pushing for the finals, which is our main objective, then every game is an important one.
“There’s a lot of belief in the dressing room, which is a massive thing for us this season, and I think if everyone does their jobs and works off one another then we have every right to believe we’ll get the job done.
“A lot of people in the league are starting to think that we might just be able to get wins against an APIA, or a Blacktown City, and this season could be a changing of the tide down here at Sutherland.”
– By Michael Shoolman
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