His maiden A-League Men’s campaign is going to plan so far but Western United defender Leo Lacroix knows there’s still a long road ahead.
Western’s 1-1 draw against Sydney FC at a rain-lashed Netstrata Jubilee Stadium last Saturday means John Aloisi’s team remain top of the ladder after 11 matches.
Giant Swiss defender Lacroix has been a key part of the club’s rise to the top, making 10 appearances with Western’s record of just nine goals conceded the second-best defence in the Isuzu UTE A-League behind Perth Glory, who have played three games less.
After three straight matches in Sydney without defeat, Western return to Melbourne to host Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park on Sunday.
The 29-year-old says spirit is good heading into that game but the team knows they’ve achieved nothing tangible at this stage.
“We are doing well. We are working well. The coaches are very good, the players also. There is a good energy in the changeroom, (it’s) positive,” Lacroix told AAP.
“We know what we did until here but the season is still long.
“Now we have to improve more to make our supporters happy at the end of the season.”
Sunday’s match is doubling up as a charity event with Western teaming up with Foodbank Victoria to help the organisation put meals on the table in the community.
“As a footballer we have some privilege and I think when we can help people it’s important,” said Lacroix, who has been named an ambassador for the fundraiser.
“Sometimes with food, sometimes with clothes, sometime with just one word, we can help change the life of people. I’m happy that the club is doing this.”
The Wanderers game is the first of two back in Victoria for Western, and Lacroix said it was important to make the most of home advantage after doing so well on the road.
“When we play away it’s important that we don’t lose the game,” he said.
“Try to win and don’t lose. We did well. We can improve more. Now we have two games at home, we know what we have to do.”
