MANLY VALE are one game away from a potential return to the men’s MWFA Premier League.
It is a remarkable scenario when you consider their struggles in the competition in 2018, and their campaign in the AL/1s following relegation hasn’t been that flash at times either.
The decision to expand the MWFA Premier League to a 12 team competition in 2020 sees the men from David Thomas Reserve salivating at what potentially awaits.
“It is an unusual scenario,” Manly Vale coach Suraj Pillai said this week.
“This season we haven’t achieved what we set out to (automatic promotion), but we have been given a big chance to return to where we want to be as a club.
“We also aren’t getting ahead of ourselves, Dee Why are a very good side.
“We will definitely be the underdogs, and you just never know what can happen in a one off game, hopefully that works in our favour.
“It really is a Cup final for us.”
With the 2020 Premier League expanding to 12 teams due to the improved quality of the clubs and players, the team who finished last in the MWFA Premier League weren’t automatically relegated this year.
The Swans were hammered by injuries this season, and now have to beat a fired up Manly Vale in a playoff to avoid the drop.
Kick-off in the winner takes all clash is 7.30pm next Wednesday, August 14, at Cromer Park.
