Tara Murray
Uni Hill Eagles aren’t planning to rest on their laurels in the FV state league competitions.
Coming off an undefeated state league 4 north men’s season and also a championship with their women’s side, the Eagles have big aims for the upcoming season.
Eagles president Firass Ibrahim said they weren’t keen on just making up the numbers in the higher divisions after both sides earned promotion.
Their men’s side will play in the state league 3 north-west competition.
“We are definitely not shying away from the word promotion,” he said. “We’ve picked up some quality players and we’re looking to go up again.
“Everyone is trying to play themselves down and be the underdogs, we’re clear that we’re definitely going for it.”
Ibrahim said that the core group from last season had returned and were focused on more success. He said they hadn’t lost anyone either which was a massive bonus.
The Eagles have had Turhan Sumbul return to the club after a stint at Altona Magic,
Former Pascoe Vale captain Joseph Yousef has also joined the club, while Baggio Emmanuel has stepped down from state league 1.
He said getting three players with experience at that higher level had been massive for them.
“It’s priceless,” he said. “They’re quality players who have played at that higher level and have that professionalism as well.
“They hold the younger guys to account.”
The men’s side are back in action on Saturday, in the first round of the Australia Cup.
The side travels to Cranbourne to face Barton United.
Ibrahim said the focus for the side was to just get a competitive hit out under their belts.
The women’s side will play in state league 3 north this season.
Ibrahim said they were hoping for more success with that side.
“They have come back off a premiership and they’re looking at promotion as well,” he said.
“They are looking to strengthen the team. There’s some noise about picking up players from higher leagues.”
Overall, Ibrahim said things were going really well at the club. He said they had 200 juniors this year, the most they’ve ever had.
