It’s fair to say Macarthur FC are having another mixed start to a new season. But it’s also reasonable to assert that every season since their entry to the A-League in 2020-21 they have had their challenges.
From season two onwards the major challenge was presented by having an almost brand new team that needed time to gel together.
This pattern has continued to the current season, their sixth since the club was founded.
After last season there were once again plenty of departures, and, inevitably, new arrivals.
There are some players who have been there for some time, including defender Tomi Uskok and goalie Filip Kurto.
Once again there are plenty of youngsters in the 2024-25 squad mix, from Luke Vickery to Dean Bosnjak and Oliver Randazzo, a sign the Bulls assembly line is in good working order.
On top of all that, head coach Mile Sterjovski has to juggle the impact of travel, because the Bulls qualified for the AFC Champions League 2 competition by winning last year’s Australia Cup.
This Thursday, Macarthur FC play their last group game in China against Beijing FC.
Bulls are currently on top of the table in group E, but need to win in Beijing to guarantee finishing in that position ahead of the knockout stage.
“There’s a lot of juggling, a lot of discussions, working out who goes to China, who needs to be rested, and then again, who needs more minutes in the A-League,’’ Sterjovski told the media last Friday night after the Bulls managed a 0-0 draw with Melbourne Victory at Campbelltown Stadium (pictured above).
“Of course I would have liked us to get the three points tonight,’’ he said.
“But I was pleased with the clean sheet, and we were much better in the second half, but there’s definitely room for improvement for us,’’ he said.
“The boys want to play finals footy, and we have been creating chances, but need someone to take responsibility, hit the target.’’
On Friday, December 19, the Bulls will host Brisbane Roar at Campbelltown Stadium, and four days later – on Tuesday, December 23 – head to Melbourne to take on Melbourne City at AAMI Park.