Hanwood's Jordan Beltrame in action against Marconi in last month's friendly. Picture: Anthony Stipo
Football
HANWOOD FC could be forgiven for still being in dreamland after last month's shock 1-1 friendly draw with NSW Premier League champions Marconi.
PICTURES: Hanwood FC v Marconi, January 2013
But coach Anthony Agresta says his team has returned to earth and is now back to work, with their second pre-season trial match on tomorrow against Albury outfit Melrose FC.
The local powerhouse stunned the four-time National Soccer League winners with a resolute and committed defensive performance, with a late Tony Sergi goal sealing a result that will not be soon forgotten.
"There's a good buzz around the place," Agresta said.
"We had two weeks off after the Marconi game but obviously we touched on it when we came back to training.
"It was a great result, but we don't take anything away from it aside from knowing that we can match it with top-class sides when we knuckle down.
"Now we're focusing on preparing for the season ahead."
Hanwood will take a near full-strength squad across to Albury for tomorrow's match, with Joey Schirripa returning after an injury ruled him out of the Marconi game.
"He's keen to have a run this weekend. He's looking very sharp at training," Agresta said.
However, Jason Bertacco the striker who was thrown into defence and starred against Marconi is unlikely to play due to local cricket commitments.
Agresta was not at the Australia Day friendly but after hearing of Bertacco's exploits at the back, he now has another option he can turn to if his back four misfires in future.
"It was more because of a lack of defenders that we put him there for that weekend, but it worked out," he said.
"It's something we have up our sleeve and we know we can do it if we need to."
The coach also hinted at further experimentation against Melrose, their annual pre-season opponents.
"They're a similar sort of level to us, so it's going to be a good test," he said.
"We'll be trying a few different formations and looking to get the strength and structure back in the team. It's good to get them into another game situation."