COLOSSAL HOPE

Matthew Galea

July 12 2014

Shepparton News

A turbulent couple of weeks for Goulburn Valley Suns have not dimmed Simon Colosimo’s enthusiasm.

The marquee signing could yet prove the finest moment of Peter Zois’ short-lived stint as Suns’ senior coach, snapping up his former Melbourne City (then Heart) teammate during last month’s transfer window.

Zois has since resigned from his role, and has been replaced by David Davkovski.

Colosimo was the club’s inaugural captain and played 63 times for the A-League outfit, following stints at other A-League clubs Perth Glory and Sydney FC.

Before signing for the Suns, Colosimo completed a season at Indian I-League club Dempo where he played under Arthur Papas, who also helped bring Colosimo to the Suns.

‘‘It happened through my relationship with Peter, but also with Arthur, who had done some things with the guys involved here previously,’’ Colosimo said.

‘‘Arthur mentioned it to me and said if you want to stay fit, these guys are good guys. They’ve got a passion for the game and the community and it would be good if I could help them out.’’

Colosimo’s first two games for the Suns have been forgetful, but despite 3-0 and 5-0 losses to Ballarat Red Devils and Heidelberg United respectively, the veteran does not believe the team is as far off as results — and the table — suggest.

‘‘I don’t think those score lines are a fair reflection on us. The games have been closer than that,’’ Colosimo said.

‘‘There have been some little incidents and some little things I’m sure Dave will try and address.

‘‘The important thing is the boys are working hard and as long as we’re doing that, eventually the ball will hit the post and go in instead of going out.’’

Colosimo said he had committed to the Suns until the end of the season, pending overseas opportunity.

‘‘At this stage I’m here until the end of the season. There’s an opportunity to go back to India with Arthur, but for now I’m here,’’ Colosimo said.

‘‘It’s just nice to give something back, plus I know some of the boys, which helps.

‘‘I played with Naum (Sekulovski) at Glory and I’ve known Frankie (Lagana) for a few years as an opponent and through some acquaintances.’’

The defender said he was impressed with the passion the people running the club bought to the table and felt the club’s future was in good hands.

‘‘I don’t know if there’s been a disconnect between the seniors and the rest of the club — I’ve only been here two weeks — but there’s no doubting the passion of the people running it,’’ Colosimo said.

‘‘They put a lot of time and effort in, so maybe it’s a case of (the seniors) being a bit more accessible, but at the same time, when results aren’t going your way you just want to put your head down and bum up and hopefully turn the corner.’’