Uni Hill Eagles unbelievable run continues with the side claiming back-to-back FV state league titles.
After going through the state league 4 north season last year, the Eagles backed it up this season and claimed the state league north-west 3 title with one round remaining.
Eagles president Firass Ibrahim said taking out the two COVID-19 affected years, it means they have now won three championships in a row.
He said they had hoped to have success again this year but said they were amazed that it had come off.
“We were champions in 2019 and there was nothing in 2020,” he said. “In 2021 the season got cancelled and no one was promoted.
“We’re now champions in 2022 and 2023 champions again. That’s three in a row, it has not sunk in that we have done it.”
Ibrahim said this year had been more difficult than last year with injuries and a few losses including against second bottom side
There had also been some changes in the group.
“We parted ways with two coaches early in the year,” he said. “Norm [Mancuso] who went through last year undefeated a couple of weeks out before the season.
“We then parted ways with Zoran Petrovski as it didn’t work out. Carl [Recchia] came in and was breath of fresh air with Mark Pistininzi and team manager Phillip Abriola from Whittlesea Ranges who had come on board.”
Ibrahim said they would enjoy the final round match up with Heidelberg Eagles in the final round.
Heidelberg had been on top for most of the season, but slipped up late.
Ibrahim said it was a nice feeling to win the battle of the Eagles, with four Eagles teams in the division this year.
The success for the Uni Hill Eagles isn’t just for the senior men’s side.
Their senior women’s side are going for back-to-back titles as well. The side sits second in state league 3 north with two rounds remaining.
Their under-14 girls team is undefeated and has already claimed the title, while their under-12 junior team is hoping to win the title as well.
Ibrahim said it would be a big weekend for the club this weekend, celebrating the men’s season and also cheering on the women’s side with their championship aims.
“It’s a credit to everyone involved,” he said. “The people coming to the game, the people buying timers, the committee, the coaches, the sponsors.
“This is very much community driven.”
