Tara Murray
It’s been a journey two seasons in the making, but Western Eagles have finally earned promotion and a championship.
When Paul Falzon took over as coach of the FV state league 3 north-west team ahead of the 2023 season, the club was in the bottom part of the ladder.
The side finished fourth last season and were in the promotion conversation until late, setting the fire for more improvement this season.
With two rounds to go, the Eagles secured top spot and promotion for next season in front of their great supporter base.
“It’s a project that started two years ago and we have gained promotion and claimed the title with two weeks remaining,” Falzon said. “It is all so satisfying.
“The celebrations started at the final whistle and continued to the early hours of the morning. Family, friends and supporters were in huge numbers to celebrate with the players and staff.
“It was great to see the volunteers that have worked behind the scenes all year join in the celebrations as it takes a lot of work and dedication to achieve results we managed throughout.”
Falzon said the second half of last season started to build confidence into the group that they could be there with the contenders.
“With the signing of a few key players that complimented the squad, and the outstanding leadership shown by our captain and senior players,” he said. “I had no doubt that the group we had would be in a position to challenge.”
Falzon said it’s nice to take the foot of the pedal a little bit in the last couple of rounds knowing they had achieved their goal.
The Eagles are set to face Diamond Valley United on Saturday in the second last round before finishing the season against Sebastopol Vikings this Saturday.
Falzon said he wouldn’t have to motivate the group to keep them up for the last two rounds.
“Our group of players are so competitive and with a final against the winner of the south east league fixtured on the week following the final round we will still be looking to finish the year on a high and win the remaining fixtures.”
Falzon said they were enjoying the celebrations and not looking too far ahead. He said they’ll finish the season and then reflect and see what is next.
“I am very proud of the club’s results in the last couple of years,” he said. “With now the foundation in place and the people involved in the club, hopefully this could be the springboard for the club to go on and strive for more success.”
