By Tara Murray
Uni Hill Eagles set out at the start of the season to earn promotion and they have done exactly that.
In their third season in FFV state league 5 north, the Eagles knew they would have a task on their hands.
With only one team earning promotion, down from two in previous years, it would be a challenge.
But it was a challenge the Eagles were prepared for, winning state league 5 north by six points.
Eagles coach Sam Matheas said it had been pretty exciting for the side.
“The club is three years old and played in state league 5 north,” he said.
“I took over at the start of this year.
“Prior to this year we had played out of Bundoora RMIT and there wasn’t really any facilities.
“This year we played at Sycamore Reserve in Mill Park and we were able to attract a few more players and create a bond between the players.
“We picked up a few players who had played at higher levels which helped.”
Matheas was part of a new-look coaching line-up, which had an instant impact in its first season.
Despite being a first year coaching group and having added 20 new players, promotion was the clear focus.
For much of the season it was a battle between two local rivals, the Eagles and Bundoora United.
The Eagles got the job done in the second last round, beating Bundoora United 3-1 to secure top spot.
“It was a big day,” Matheas said.
“It was a bumper crowd and the local derby. There were 300 to 400 people at the ground and we celebrated throughout the night.”
The Eagles would finish the season on the back of a 12 game winning streak.
The move to Sycamore Reserve proved to be a fruitful one, with the side undefeated at home.
Sasha Grozdanoski, who came from Lalor United, scored 29 goals for the season to lead the division.
Danny Chaabani, who was a youth league player for Melbourne Victory was another one who had an instant impact.
The Eagles will next season play in state league 4 north and are hoping to continue to grow at both junior and senior level.
In three years the club has grown to 12 teams, ranging for under-7s to senior men’s and women’s.
Their under-14 team also claimed the premiership.
Matheas said they would look to add a few more players to the senior program so they can be competitive at the higher level.
On Saturday, the Eagles state league 5 side won its final agaisnt state league 5 west winner Barnstoneworth United, 2-0.
The Eagles will this week play to become the overall state league 5 title winner.
