After losing a football game, the last thing a coach wants to see at work on a Monday is his opposition.
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Whenver Yoogali SC and Hanwood FC meet, either Griffith Real Estate’s Brian Bertolin or Luke Santolin have to deal with that.
Despite having to work alongside a rival coach, Yoogali SC mentor Luke Santolin said there had been no animosity this year.
“So far it hasn't been frosty, we've tried to keep soccer separate,” Santolin said.
“So far, so good but at the business end of the season, things can change.”
Bertolin – who coaches Hanwood FC alongside Jason Bertacco – agreed the uncommon relationship had an added dimension now the season was heating up.
“No doubt, as we get into the more intense games, it’s going to be a little different. It's a unique thing,” Bertolin said.
Bertolin is outnumbered two-to-one at work with Santolin’s father, and fellow YSC coach, Tony, also at Griffith Real Estate.
Fortunately for Bertolin, Bertacco evens the Griffith Real Estate ledger from time to time.
“I sometimes just come in here to see what life’s like around here,” Bertacco joked.
Whilst all are friendly off the field, winning will be the only thing on their minds come Sunday when Yoogali SC hosts Hanwood FC at EW Moore Oval.
Hanwood FC sit one point ahead of YSC on the ladder after 15 rounds.
However, both teams have notched one win each when the teams have met this year.
Yoogali SC won 4-2 first time around before Hanwood secured a 3-2 win in round 10 and Bertacco expected a similarly close match on the weekend.
“I think every year it's a battle, we're the two teams that always lift against each other, you don't expect anything less,” he said.
Santolin echoed the sentiment of his opposing coach.
“Form goes out the window when it’s Hanwood-Yoogali. I’ve played in years where we’ve been in a terrible slump and then found something against Hanwood,” Santolin said.
“I expect the players will rise to the challenge that’s put in front of them.”
Sunday’s winner will most likely take out the minor premiership as Hanwood FC sit just one point clear of Yoogali SC on the first grade ladder.
Bertolin downplayed the importance of the minor premiership.
“Who wins this weekend doesn't mean you're going to win the competition, there’s still other games to be played,” Bertolin said.
“We’ve got Leeton and they have Wests [next week], so there’s still plenty to play for after this match.”
