Mill Park is all set for a better and bigger FFV season following its merger with Sporting Whittlesea in the offseason.
The committee of Mill Park decided that to make the club stronger, it would seek out possible merger partners.
After speaking with Sporting Whittlesea, the two clubs decided their philosophies and visions aligned, so they have come together as one under the Mill Park banner.
Club president Jack Kyriacou said there had been a lot of excitement at the club in the pre-season following the merger decision.
He said it would be beneficial for players.
“From our perspective, it’s a good opportunity,” he said.
“Hopefully, there will be increased spectator attendance and [we’ll be] attracting a higher-quality player to the club.”
The club’s senior men’s team will compete in state league 2 north-west, the division in which Sporting Whittlesea had been competing.
Mill Park’s senior side finished third in state league 4 north last season.
Kyriacou said this year’s team was a mixture of players from the two clubs, plus some new players.
He said Fabio Rogerio Albuquerque Junior was the major signing for the club, with Alex Stojevski to fill the role of goalkeeper.
Luiz De Miranda and Andy Pavli have both returned. Raul Isac is another player to return after a stint elsewhere late last year.
Arnold Konjol, who won the state league 4 north best and fairest award, is also back.
Paul Agathouli has been appointed head coach of the side, while Paul Skoullos is the technical director and part of the senior coaching panel.
On Saturday, the side faced Heidelberg Eagles in the third round of the FFA Cup in front of more than 250 people.
Mill Park started the stronger of the two teams and led 2-0 at half-time, before the Eagles scored two second-half goals.
The Eagles got a winner in extra time to win 3-2.
Isac scored both of Mill Park’s goals.
Kyriacou said while it was disappointing not to win the FFA Cup match, the club’s focus was on the FFV season.
“We’ve been contacted by other clubs in state league 2 and there’s that mutual respect there,” he said.
