Tara Murray
The drama of the last few weeks was forgotten on Saturday as Upfield secured the championship and promotion in FV state league 2 north-west.
Having been the top team all season, Upfield’s title hopes were put on hold after they were deducted six points by Football Victoria for playing an ineligible player.
But the side’s dominance across the whole season was enough, with a 6-1 win against Lalor United sealing top spot.
It’s been a massive few weeks for the Dallas-based club, with their reserves also winning the championship.
Upfield president Wally Hanna said the playing group had stood strong in the last few weeks despite everything going on.
“We got the championship,” he said. “It’s been more challenging the last two to three weeks having lost those points.
“We should have had it three weeks ago, but it came down to the final game.
“The boys did the job and showed that they were here for the club and showed what they were made of.
“The guys won on the pitch.”
Upfield had no issues against Lalor United on Saturday, winning their final game of the season 6-1, meaning they were able to celebrate on the field. The reserves finished with a 4-1 win.
It caps off a big couple of years for Upfield. The side was on top of the state league 3 north-west last season when it was called off due to COVID-19.
Upfield was one of the few sides that earned promotion with another team pulling out, meaning they’ve earned two straight promotions.
Hanna said they couldn’t have imagined what they’ve done the last couple of years. He said they had dreamed of being a state league 1 side and it would now be a reality.
“The target was to get promoted,” he said of this year. “Mid-season we made the call to try and win the title after winning so much.
“With COVID we didn’t know if the players still had the motivation to play good football.
“We have a bright future for the club. It will be a good challenge for us going into state league 1. We won’t be aiming for the title next year, we’ll look to finish in the top four and build from there.
“We want to start looking at trying to be a National Premier League side.”
Upfield is the highest ranked team in Hume besides Hume City which plays in the top NPL flight.
Hanna said this title was for more than just the club.
“This is good for the community and the people and squad who have been on this journey. We are proud of the community in Dallas. This is for the community and sponsors as well.”
While Upfield is going up to state league 1 north-west, Mill Park’s quest just fell short.
Entering the final round in third, Mill Park ended the season there with second placed Westgate getting a final round win.
